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Post by Lady Whimsy on Apr 26, 2012 19:48:41 GMT -5
Ulysses RP : Enter the Dragon
Welcome to our “New” Kalidore RP Experience!
The Story of Kalidore is truly at the core of Kalidore’s experience, no matter how involved (or not!) you choose to become: it drives the adoptable as we grow the world. After all, how many new species have grown out of an RP experience? So if you want to keep the world growing, it seems the answer is – RP! The Ulysses RP began in the fall of 2008, and then fell unfortunately silent (when a certain wee whimsy made an appearance) but was never written off nor forgotten. The intent was to bring it back to life once sustainable, and to create a new, thriving environment for friends to engage and characters to thrive. We believe that the time has finally arrived, and we hope you will all join us NOW!Our RP experience is engaging, richly detailed, and evenly paced – we don’t expect a post every day, therefore is perfect for people busy with school or work, and don’t want to be left behind because they had a busy day. We also view our RP more as “shared storytelling”; while standard rules are in place (ie, no god-modding, respect others, watch for key directions) we encourage participants to be proactive, suggest and lead plot, and work with others (including crossing boundaries or even sharing characters when necessary). Of course if you have something BIG in mind, it’s a good idea to run it past Lady Whimsy first! Starting Out:Who can join? Anyone with an > approved character< can join, at any time. I don’t own a Kalidorian Unicorn; can I still RP? Most certainly – you can RP as a human who has simply not found their unicorn companion yet. Does my unicorn have to have a companion (or vice versa)? Absolutely not! Not all Unicorns take human companions, and sometimes, a human is not ready to become one. The advantage of having a companion is that through this bond, eventually the human will be able to use magic. It’s also good time to remind that humans and unicorns are two difference beasts, from very different cultures, and to play them accordingly. For more pointers about the different creatures of the Isle, and life on Kalidore in general, do check out our Guide: Some other quick notes:• At the point in time when the RP was started, the most common unicorn breed was the Standard Type (those in the image of Kal and Kaedon). Therefore, for this RP, Mesopippens, Aviquinns, and Toregardes cannot be played… we are very sorry about this inconvenience, but it’s intricle to the plot! • As well, because of the short time humans have spent on Kalidore, it is assumed that pet relationships – such as with pocket griffons, anagales, etc – have not yet been established. (The Skyree are also an Elvin species, thus not native to the isle) Plus one Adar is simply enough… D: Want to know more about the Ulysses Story?We don’t expect anyone to read through the whole Ulysses RP… unless you want to, and for those people who do, it exists in two forms – the original forum version, found here on this site, and a “stitched” version, wherein everyone’s work has been edited together to create a seamless story experience to be enjoyed. We’ve always looked at RPing in Kalidore as a sort of “shared storytelling”, and we are always impressed with how wonderfully the different voices work together to create a whole! Original Forum Version:unicornsofkalidore.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=guided&action=display&thread=67Web Novel Version:Chapter One ~ The Harvest Ball Chapter Two ~ Into the Kaledon Chapter Three ~ The Skyfields Chapter 3.5 ~ Elsewhere Chapter Four ~ Ulysses Chapter Five ~ What Morning Brings Happy Reading!
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Apr 26, 2012 19:50:54 GMT -5
When the universe was new, Kala created Kalidore as a haven for all... When the universe was at war, Kala stood with her Companion and restored hope for all... When the universe is in need again, Companions will be called to Kalidore, that they may take up Kal’s lead and bring with them peace, light, and harmony for all...
~ The Unicorns of Kalidore, From the Al’therwen Tomes Prologue: Unicorns and Dragons both rose for from that first burst in the Chaos, but whereas Unicorns were made the source of magic without out the ability to use it, Dragons were able to wield the innate power they possessed. It was Kal who restored order to the Universe all those ages ago, when Thaedor stood up and declared the Source of Magic for his own, but her victory was not complete because there were Dragons still who believed in might and violence, and would stop at nothing to restore a fallen king’s thrown. Ramathor’s questionable death awarded Uthoreon his thrown, and his first act was to drive supporters of the Old Queen into hiding. He then set out to reclaim what had been lost, and to seize, once and for all, that which Thaedor had been unable to hold… but first, he had to find it. For eons it seemed magic had lain dormant, and with it the key to that phenomenal wellspring seemed lost too. Then one night a beacon of magic and flared bright, gone before the dragons could source it; the hunt was on...The Story So Far…Since the recent journey to Earth, when all the Gates of Kalidore were opened again, it seemed that every new day brought a new human companion stumbling to the isle. None had any inkling of why they were there, most were confused and wanting home, and yet the bond that formed between them and the Unicorns marked a profound change on the isle for both worlds. ~ * ~ The Harvest Celebration disrupts when the Daiga reveals news of Ulysses’ return, and with emotions mixed, the Unicorns and their companions head deep into the Skyfield Mountains to find him. However, it seems Ulysses, the dark and troubled “lost son”, does not want to be found, and worse, a menacing force is lurking about the isle causing havoc and violence in its wake. With so many new companions in toe, Tyden and the Guardians – Lilaini and Rhiane – find themselves constantly courting disaster; it is all Odin, Gypsy, and Arieon can do to keep the group safe and moving forward – but towards what goal? Upon finding Ulysses, old wounds still prove tender, and the rogue stallion refuses to heed them. Instead, he lambasts their complacency and declares that their actions have invited the isle’s undoing – for Dragons have returned; only violence will follow. He then proclaims that the only way to save the isle is to destroy the Gates, and gaining no audience with the others, storms off with Odin in quiet pursuit. Surprised and further confused, the Guardians and Tyden agree that destroying the Gates cannot be the answer. And there are legends of a Great Gate that crowned the Elvin city of Al’therwen, now ruins claimed by the mountains; the Guardians sense the old magic at work – but can they find the lost city before Ulysses? And before they set out, Gypsy hears a noise… New to the Ulysses RP?We know jumping in can be scary, but we encourage you to take the plunge! We're a very friendly bunch, and joining is easy - if your character is a unicorn, then simply assume he or she has been with the group all along - just hanging back. There are two basic ways your human character can join in. The first, like a unicorn, we simply presume they've been there all along; this way they can pick up along side the action with us, no need for an introduction or explanation of their being there. This works well because it's understood that companions are newly arrived on the isle, so if they're a bit confused and bewildered - it's to be expected! The second method is that we stumble upon the character along the way. This is more involved and time consuming, but is good for characters that need a little more explanation or backstory. For this kind of introduction, please speak with Lady Whimsy directly to help work you into the plot as quickly and efficiently as possible. Happy RPing!
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Apr 26, 2012 19:52:14 GMT -5
((The small group has just broken camp, heading deeper into the Skyfields. The have now been traveling three days, each bringing its own set of troubles, and the wear is starting to show...)) Gypsy moved at a steady pace, one that was good at covering distance but would not quickly fatigue the humans among them that were traveling on foot. Lilaini rode silently, for it seemed her companion was deep in thought and needed quiet. They had not far to go before they overtook Tyden and Arieon. By the way the young man was chatting easily he seemed no longer as annoyed as when he left the camp. Good, the guardian thought, because she had almost felt a bit badly about what she had said about his lack of magic. But seeing as it wasn’t even affecting him, it saved her the ordeal of trying to apologize... “So,” she began as they pulled up next to them. “What has your scouting found for us?” If he’d sensed their approach Tyden gave no indication, and even when Lilaini spoke, he kept his focus carefully tuned on the expanding vista ahead of them. “If we follow the ridge, we might make the runic markers by nightfall; Al'therwen won't be far beyond. Although, what I expect to find is a whole lot of elven rubble, but if we’re lucky, a functioning Gate, and possibly a dragon or two to boot. Failing that… some of the rubble is quite pretty (or so it’s been told) and it’s a nice day for a ride anyways. Sight-seeing, really… and I your regular ol’ magically-inert traveling tour guide…” he gaze slid pointedly towards Lilaini. The group at this point was pooling behind them and Gwynen slipped nimbly through the mares to bring Rhaine alongside. The young woman caught strands of the conversation, her attention drawn to the advance of broken mountains beyond; they seemed so immeasurably vast, and the group by comparison so small. “If there is a waking Gate, likely Lilaini or I will be able to sense it once we are closer,” she added thoughtfully, missing the small but further pinching reaction the comment drew from cream stallion’s rider. “All the same, what I would do to have that map with us.” “What I would do to have you stop calling that archaic and illustrative whimsy of yours a map,” Tyden sighed, the comment meant mostly in jest but had an edge to it, which caused Rhaine to turn from the mountains and regard him. “Besides, following the ridge is the most suitable execution through the hills, prescribed route or not, short of gating us their directly. Which really isn’t a viable option.” He kept the implication from his voice, but it was there plainly enough for the telepath and the empath, who, despite Kal’s god-given gifts, were not without their limitations, too. Lilaini's delicate brows furrowed ever-so-slightly at the man's remark. Ever-so-slightly her grip on the bronze mare's mane tightened, and braced for recoil. *Now, my sweet* the calming swell of Gypsy's presence touched her mind before anything transpired (there was a particularity good throwing rock, about two feet away, that the woman was cannily eying), *it has been a long night, and difficult last few days. You are all torn and tired, and we have a ways to go yet. Despite all, you have the same ambitions at heart, and besides, these petty squabbles will not bring the ruins any closer.*Her eyes did not loose their steely look, but her fingers softened. *One small rock wouldn't hurt… much* she huffed silently. Gypsy chuckled, stretching to nibble at her bootlace. Her young rider's flood of youthful emotion was always strangely refreshing, if only because it reaffirmed for the seasoned mare she herself was not so old, all things considered; the age of unicorns was at best immeasurable. She felt herself relaxing, not realizing what tension she'd held until it began to ebb away. Her ears pricked at something in her peripheral, but Lilaini had begun talking again and her attention wavered. "Very well, the ridge it is. Gypsy and I can blaze the trail, and hopefully, the rest should be easy following." Gypsy's ears swiveled again, perking towards the west. Tyden seemed set to say something, then settled back onto the cremello stallion leisurely. "Blaze away," he canted towards the hills with a sweeping gesture of his hand. Lilaini's gaze was stony, but she turned from and instead addressed the rest of the group. "We have a good day of riding ahead of us, following the ridge. It would do well to follow closely, and watch your feet. Gypsy will set a comfortable pace, and I hope we will be at the foothills of Al'therwen by nightfall. Furthermore, it's pertinent that we-- hhuh—" Gyspy turned abruptly, cutting Lilaini off in mid-sentence, and set out in the opposite direction. *Gypsy!* the though resounded in her head, *we are blazing the wrong way—* But the mare wasn’t paying attention. Her head was cocked, ears pricked, and her focus single-minded. No, her ears had not been deceiving her; the gully beyond muffled the sound until you were almost upon it: a most unusual sort of wailing, quite unlike anything she could place. And despite the duty that befell her to care for her companion and their party and perusing the mission at hand, something in that noise compelled her follow. She ignored the questioning probing from her companion again and crossed the ridge, making her way down the pitted stones of the embankment. The pitch leveled shortly and spread into a scraggly crop of gnarly trees that clung to the stone and defied the arid soil by growing to full height – no mighty oak be sure, but a broad and crowning canopy that made the perfect seasonal abode for skycats. In the tallest tree a huge nest was sprawled messily, the circumference easily the size of Lilaini’s whole cabin. The ground below was littered thick with discarded bones and pellet casts, and orbiting above was the avifelis family themselves. This consisted of a spotted female and her azure-shouldered mate with the season’s three chicks, fully fledged now but still molting and looking rather scruffy in comparison to their sleek parents. They were only half of the squalling, and the direction of their dismay comprised of the other half. That, was in their nest. Or through it, for even as the bottom end of the creature was projected up, tail and legs flailing, and another pair of limbs just visible below where they protruded through the nest’s brambly floor. There were also a pair of wings, but only one of these were moving, and only slightly, whenever the back legs lost footing and began flailing again. The tail, smooth and tapered, was spaded at the end and could do nothing more then helicopter the air uncoordinatedly as it tried to swat the griffons who flew by. Gypsy blinked. The creature was gleaming indigo, licked through with silver, and even with its head buried deep in the mess their was no confusion as to what it was. Behind her she heard the group stumble into silence as the unicorns came to the same conclusion. Lilaini had leaned forward into her copper mane, green eyes wide and incredulous. “Is that… a dragon?” From the nest, the forlorn creature let out another up-side-down wailing. “I believe it is,” said Gypsy blankly. ((THREAD OPEN ~ HAVE FUN!))
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Post by geob on May 31, 2012 20:26:09 GMT -5
The scenery around them was beautiful. Tiponi was rather glad of the unaccustomed riding as instead of paying attention to foot placement she was able to admire all the scenic wonders about them. She and Luminista had been spending the morning talking about nothing and everything. Really just getting to know one another. It was a peaceful time and Tiponi was soaking it all in.
They broke off their discourse when Lilaini began to speak. Looking ahead, Tiponi thought the ridge would make an excellent route to wherever it was they were headed. At Gypsy's defection, Luminista stopped and looked after the dark chestnut mare then the other way, the one Lilaini had indicated they would be going. "Which way should we…" Luminista broke off as she, too, caught what must have attracted Gypsy's attention. "What do you suppose that is?" she wondered before setting out after Gypsy and Lilaini.
"What what is?" asked Tiponi. "I don't hear… Oh, that." Listening for a moment, now that she could hear the noises, too, she continued, "It sounds like nothing I know, but then I am new here." She couldn't help a little laugh as she stated the obvious. It wasn't that long ago she was on a whole different world after all.
Soon they had caught up to Gypsy and Lilaini. They stood beside the pair and marveled at the sight. Without conscious thought, Tiponi found herself on the ground warily circling the tree with its odd creature thrashing about, one eye on the circling family of flying felines. She had never seen such a thing! (never mind that most of the things she had seen here were new to her) This large blue creature was truly magnificent! Well, except for being bound by an undignified situation.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jun 6, 2012 20:38:51 GMT -5
Areion and Tyden both mounted the ridge snorting with indignance, but fell abruptly silent as they landed beside Gypsy and Lilaini on the other side. The stallion's nostrils flared unwittingly but for once even he seemed at a loss for words. Tyden, however, was not. He nudged Arieon closer and canted towards the Guardian. "There was something I may have forgot to mention; while rejoining the group we were sidetracked by a rather curious predicament involving a Mammoth, a Skycat, and a Cerewynne--"
"This is a fine time for parlor jokes..." Lilaini strained a whisper.
"No, listen - there was a scale. A red, gleaming scale like cut rubies. It belonged to the Skycat. Well, at the moment it did. But I am pretty sure originally it belonged to a Dragon."
Lilaini turned and looked at him full on. The expression on her face was unreadable, but Areion took a step backwards just the same. "And you just... FORGOT to mention this?"
"Stuff was happening! Ulysses! And stuff! And I would hardly have called you approachable --"
"I am SO approachable!" Lilaini would swung at him had not Gwyniera and Rhaine slid conveniently in between.
"By Kala..." breathed Rhaine, mouth slightly agape as she assessed the tree. "There was nothing in the map book about---"
"Is that a dragon? A real, live dragon?" Lyonee would have stood up in her seat had she not still been cradling the sleeping Kaus Mio in her lap. Her eyes dazzled as she turned to Tyden. "You get to go slay him now, don't you? Or is that Liam's job?" She had pegged Tyden for the Knightly Kind, although he wasn't wearing any armor, which did disappoint her just a bit. However, she was learning rapidly that things weren't always how the stories told, so she hadn't ruled out quiet old soldier either. Either way she wondered if when the dragon was slain, would they let her take a tooth home to show Olivier? He would be so rightly jealous about missing something like this...!
The silvered mare's ear flickered between the Guardian and child on her back as they spoke, but then something caught the other and drew them forward. "Oh my," she pursed, skewering their attention with a pointed indication of her horn. "It appears our feisty young friend might be attempting something rather rash...."
The others fell abruptly silent, eyes turned as Tiponi had slipped from Lumanista's back and was circling the tree.
"Oh, by Kaedon's fleas!" Tyden exclaimed, already drawing his sword as the ivory stallion lunged forward without command.
Lyonee clasped her hands together in delight. "Oh I do hope I may keep even a small tooth!" she said out loud, much to the confusion of those around her.
Into the hornet's nest, Gypsy snorted, but there looked like there might not be much choice now, and she bounded forward after them...
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Post by geob on Jun 6, 2012 22:02:43 GMT -5
Commencing a particularly vigorous effort to free itself, the dragon caused the tree to sway violently. Tiponi ducked to avoid a thrashing branch and it was a good thing she did. One of the parent skycats had taken a moment from harassing the dragon to dive-bomb her! As she dodged she happened to note the abrupt advance of The Man.
Oh, for Kala's sake, Tip, Luminista sent. He is not "The Man," he is Tyden.
Tiponi didn't have to look to know Luminista was giving a unicorn eye-roll. She just shrugged as she drew her own knife. Just to be safe, you understand. Besides, whatever -his- reason for drawing his sword might be the reason -she- would need her knife. With that thought she mentally stuck out her tongue at her star-dotted red companion.
Luminista huffed at the image, but went on to ask Tiponi, ARE you attempting something rash?
Surprised, Tiponi fully faced the assembling group from the (nearly) opposite side of the tree. "Something rash?" she both said and sent. With a slight laugh and another ducking dodge of a swooping griffon she corrected all who might hear, "No, I was just looking." Then she considered the worried parents and corrected, "Well, I suppose it may depend upon ones point of view. These flying dervishes may consider an inspection rather rash."
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jun 20, 2012 23:59:06 GMT -5
Hot breath rushed from his nostrils as Areion charged towards the tree. He kept the dragon fixed in sight, his ears pinned back against his head. Mayhaps Ulysses was right, the frown seared his face, teeth bared. Mayhaps the tales are true, and another war is upon us.... The thought sent shivers through his skin, as if he hoped to shed them like biting gnats. He was too young to know the war, but it had seemed to him as a kor that it was the way a unicorn might show his true might, or so Ulysses seemed to suggest to his younger brother's eager ears. Arieon was every bit the stallion as his brother, and he intended to prove it. By Kaedon's Horn, if the isle was in trouble, he would defend it, single-hooved if need be! He glared at the beast in the tree as he came sliding in between the gnarly trunk and the young woman who wound her way around it. Being this close to the dragon made his blood feel on fire, and given the chance --
"Wha-ho!" Tyden seized a handful of mane as the ivory stallion reared up, as if he hoped to pluck the beast from branches himself. In the same movement, Tyden swung his legs free and landed on the ground beside Tiponi, just as one of the griffons came squalling forward again. From the nest, the beast gave a muffled snort sounding like the pistons of a steam engine firing all at once. Arieon screamed his own reply, and the griffons volleyed forward furiously as the threat to their nest seemed multiplied.
"It never occurs to you to sit one out, does it?" Tyden shot to Tiponi with gritted teeth, sword braced skyward instinctively to deflect any blows that might come their way.
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Post by geob on Jun 21, 2012 21:05:09 GMT -5
Luminista rolled her eyes at the ferocious way Areion charged forward. Males! she thought to herself.
As Tiponi ducked and dodged swooping griffons Tyden's words rolled around in Tiponi's head as she sorted them out and what they implied. At the same time she backed up a few steps, hoping the agitated arial artists' would feel less of a threat from her, well, that and put some more space between herself and Him. Honest, all she wanted was to get a better look at the dragon and his predicament. What was the big deal?
About then Tyden's words truly sank in and registered. Surprise and indignation had her straightening from her semi-crouch. "'Sit one out'?!" burst from her lips. Flashing him a glare, she continued, "The same could be said of you! Who came dashing around the tree to join me??? And unnecessarily, I might add. All I was doing was looking things over!" With that she turned to storm over to Lilaini and the others, muttering to herself about interfering men.
She didn't make it to them, though.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jun 21, 2012 23:16:32 GMT -5
One of the bolder of the griffon chicks (though really, ranking the bravado of griffons is like declaring one spark from the campfire to be hotter then the next spark) and landed on the branch just above the next and was staring down at the writhing purple mass that was occupying his home. Like all griffons, he rather territorial, even if he wasn't old enough to truly know what territory was; he looked at his nest and his mind screamed 'Mine!' and in no way or how was the uninvited dragon supposed to be part of the picture. The dragon really had to go. On the other hand... the dragon was... shiny. And the half-grown chick knew in his griffon's heart that he loved shiny every bit as much as his nest was 'Mine!'. On some level, he kind of wished the shiny was 'Mine!' too. Well, maybe not the whole shiny; the dragon in the nest still had to go, that went without saying. But the head of the beast was burried somewhere in the depth of the next along with a wing, and a scaled talon gripped the branch just below him, as if hoping for some kind of leverage. A loose scale glinted in the light with every hue of indigo. The griffon's pupils dilated. "Mine!"
The dragon let out another hellish roar as he felt something jab his arm, and he tried to free himself again, struggled briefly with another roar of frustration and contempt. Cat-like, his spade-tipped tail lashed furiously, but the griffon chick was long gone, fighting aerially with his siblings over his new purple shiny. So the tail tore at the empty branches with a vengeance and came crashing through brush just as Tiponi staking her disgruntled exodus and swept her clear off her feet.
Tip didn't see it coming. She didn't see it leaving either, what with having her feet knocked out from under her and the rest of her meeting the ground from the assertion. Which was how, mercifully, she missed being hit by the tail in the recall. Her brain recoiled like a thick black knot, the jolt and shooting her synapses through to respond even before her head had got its baring. If she was under attack, no way she was going to take it lying down!
The world was still veiled and mottled like streaked glass as she sprung to her feet, ignoring the sharp pain in her backside or the even greater pain that focused when she realized her knife had flung from her grip and she was weaponless. Or as weaponless as Tip could be at any given moment. The small dagger was still lodged in her boot and --
"Are you all right?" a shadow landed in front of her and was moving fast --
-- shouting with surprise as two dark, razor-edged discs sliced by, missing one my centimeters and the other grazed his arm as he twisted away. Tiponi had the third ready, and if The Man were to take one step closer there was no way would miss again. Besides, her vision was clearing and the light in the world swelled to full vibrancy.
"At ease!" Tyden exclaimed, "for Kal's sake, I thought we were past this bit allready--" he slid backwards, nearly loosing balance himself. He wasn't sure if the woman heard him, or even more importantly, was listening. Why him? *Lum* his mind beckoned *Your companion. She's trying to kill me. Again*
How foolish for him to have been worrying about such begin things as furious, fire-breathing dragon...
"Say nothing, brute!" Tiponi hissed. "I'll not miss, nor will I be so witless as to turn my back again!" Her other hand had found her dagger, and she angled the final throwing star, foolishly, in retrospect, for as she did the sunlight caught the polished blade and sheered an array of colours across her vision, such that fiend in front of her seemed lit from behind in a wash of colours. She blinked. The colours were still there. Rich blues, and streaks of gold that intertwined, shot through with sparks of red. The colours danced. The colours were beautiful. Tiponi blinked again. How hard did I hit my head?
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Post by geob on Jun 22, 2012 13:22:40 GMT -5
The interaction between her companion and the Ma- (oh, for Kal's sake, Tiponi had HER doing it now!), TYDEN had Luminista chuckling to herself. And such a fine exit her companion was making! Until that tail came slashing down. A laugh burst from the red mare as Tiponi found herself on the ground. "That is going to damage her pride," Luminista said to no one in particular amid her chuckles.
Unsurprised to see Tyden jump to her companion's aid, neither was she surprised when said companion came up spitting and slashing. She rolled her eyes as she made her way around the tree, all the while keeping a wary eye on all its residents, intentional and accidental. *Tiponi, Tyden didn't strike you. The dragon's tail caught you,* she sent, repeating the words aloud in the hopes that at least one of the two forms of communication would get through to her companion. "Tyden only wished to make sure you were not injured," she continued.
Tiponi stood shaking her head hoping the colors for all their beauty would go away. Or at least dim. When that didn't work she put her hand to her head, nicking herself with that last throwing star. "Ouch." She tucked the star away and returned her hand to her head, wiping away the small trickle of blood then applying pressure to the spot with the heal of her hand. She cast another look Tyden's way and was again overwhelmed by the colors. "Luminista," she asked her four-legged friend, "why is he," she waved her knife-wielding hand vaguely in Tyden's direction, "floating in all those colors? Tell me you see those colors, too, because this is just too weird to go through alone."
"Colors?" Luminista came to a stop some few feet from her companion, lifting her head to scent the air as she looked first at Tyden then her companion and again at Tyden. Carefully she asked, "Um, what colors?" With that, she cast a quick look of appeal toward the two Guardians before closing the distance between herself and Tiponi. Gently, she nuzzled her companion's shoulder and used her head to pull the girl into a unicorn hug.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jun 27, 2012 23:28:12 GMT -5
Gypsy barreled towards Arieon, wanting to stop him before... before he hurt the dragon? the concept bloomed curiously without knowing where it had come from, or what she planned to do about it. At least beyond the immediate, which was simply to get there and get everyone to calm down...
A kick to her left side resounded as Lilaini's thoughts broke her focus. *Tiponi has fallen - let me off here* her companion pressed. Gypsy hadn't even noticed. She drew up short, holding just enough for Lilaini to slip safely to the ground, and was away again and thundering up to the tree.
"Arieon, fall back!" she barked, shouldering against him in such away as to indicate what she would do if he didn't willing. *Can't you see you are making matters worse? The skycats are beside themsleves with worry--*
The stallion snorted, astonished. "Fall.... back? Do you not know what that is? And of course they're beside themselves, just look at their nest! We must get to the fiend before it rights itself and--"
"And what?" her ears pinned back. "And just how might you expect to get up there anyways? Fly? We are not going to unravel this mess until everyone has calmed down. Griffons included!" she barked as one came whizzing by her rump. Her mane swirled like liquid bronze as she wheeled to face them. "I stand before you as a Protector of the Isle, and by that ground I stand as your protector too!" Gypsy addressed the skycats. "By Kal's honour, we are here to help!"
Lilaini scrambled across the loose rocks, ducking under a low-hanging branch as she made her way towards Tyden and Tiponi. By this time Tiponi had strung up again, weapons brandonished, but before too much damage could be done Lumanista had landed at her side. Beyond, the dragon in the tree to continued to wail. *Rhaine* she sent to her fellow Guardian *keep the others back. It is too dangerous here until we understand what is going on*
She arrived, noting at a glance the dazzled look on Tiponi's face and tickle of blood on Tyden's arm; Rhaine would have to see to that later. But neither looked worse for wear. "Are you all okay?"
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Post by geob on Aug 24, 2012 10:37:20 GMT -5
"Okay?" Tiponi echoed. "Okay? No, I am definitely NOT okay. I may have fallen on my butt, but its my head that is killing me, what with all these colors glaring at me." Tiponi casts a glare at Tyden before continuing her rant, "He is hovering too close again and all those blues and greens and yellows flickering around him make my eyes hurt along with this headache." A quick glance at Lilaini has Tiponi groaning, "and you, too. Where did all these colors come from?? That thing flailing about there has so many colors flashing around it I get nauseated if I try looking at it," she finishes with a gesture toward the tree.
Lumanista looks from Tyden to Lilaini to the dragon, following Tiponi's speech and gestures. Confusion is giving her a headache. What colors? What flashing? Or maybe it is Tiponi's confusion spilling over to her. Whatever. "Lilaini, what is going on," the red mare asks.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 26, 2012 14:33:36 GMT -5
Swirling colours...? Lilaini blinked. And then she looked from the young woman to her companion as the unicorn spoke, and realization dawned. "Oh, Tiponi - I believe the colours you see are their auras; it happens when a Unicorn and their Companion come together, that human develops other gifts - magical gifts. Not every human develops the same type, nor to the same ability, but I am told that most can learn to control their abilities to some degree with practice. When we are out of this mess, Lady Rhiane will be happy to explain it in greater detail, as her abilities are similar."
Was it only a few days before that Ali had ignited a shrub with her bestowed gift? It seemed like years. Lilaini wondered how she could better help this woman deal with her budding gifts, but now was not time or place, and she could only trust Lumanista would help her cope until such an opportunity presented itself.
Agitation from Gypsy drifted to her as if wind-born, and swirled to face the tree again. Tyden's attention followed her direction.
"Should we... help?" he piqued.
Instantly the agitation was her own. Because of course they should. Only, she wasn't entirely sure how...
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Post by Asperi on Sept 16, 2012 16:18:45 GMT -5
Since their meeting, Midori and Kyla had begun heading south towards the Library Temple, where the Guardians were sure to be. It was late in the morning of their 4th day together and Midori knew it would only be about another day’s journey until they were out of the Skyfields and in more familiar terrain. Amidst a very riveting discussion on why in the world any animal would go to the bathroom in a small box (namely, Kyra's orange cat), Kyla and Midori were suddenly startled by some very strange noises not far off from their current location.
First, there was crash; then, quite a bit of squalling followed by a periodic bellow. *What on earth is that?!* projected Kyla as she looked around to see where it might have come from. Kyla had been riding and walking in this strange place with her unique new friend for days now. Though she lacked riding experience back home, Kyla seemed to take quite readily to unicorn-back. Currently astride, Kyla thanked the heavens that her newly found riding ability hadn’t been tested by the sudden racket.
Looking in the direction the noises seemed to be coming from, Midori playfully responded *First, this is Kalidore, not Earth. Second… I have no idea! Shall we go and see for ourselves?* Without waiting for a response, Midori turned and began moving in the direction of the bizarre sounds.
Rolling her eyes at the mare’s quip, Kyla sarcastically retorted *Thanks for giving me a chance to answer.* She loved Midori’s endless curiosity, as Kyla was very much so the curious type herself, but at this point she was still in the midst of a “culture shock” so to speak. Gallivanting off in the direction of what sounded like something very large and very angry didn’t exactly appeal to her. The holler of a Man and the battle cry of a stallion didn’t do much to quell her anxieties.
With the newly added voices to the chorus, Midori picked up her pace to a brisk trot. *Hang onto my mane if you begin to lose balance* she shot to Kyla as a small yelp came from her riding companion. Within minutes the trees began to thin, becoming more scraggly as they traveled up the embankment where the sounds seemed to be coming from. As they stepped out of the sparse vegetation the scene before them was almost more than Kyla could handle.
*Are those…? Is that a…?* Leveling her gaze, Kyla then saw on the other side of the tree a glory of unicorns with several humans of what seemed like all ages and eras. Her jaw dropped; all she could do was sit there dumbfounded and completely transfixed on the scene.
*Skycats, yes. That big blue thing invading their nest, I am not so sure on.* she thought back to Kyla, a little perplexed. It couldn’t possibly be what it looked like; dragons hadn’t been seen in eons! Noting her companion’s state of shock, she decided to take matters into her own hooves. Advancing slowly and carefully so as not to further disturb the skycats, Midori made her way around the tree to where she saw Gwyn and Rhaine.
Sidling up to Gwyn’s side Midori spoke with curiosity brimming, “Seems to be quite the predicament there, any idea how it came to pass?”
Upon suddenly hearing, with her ears, the voice that had previously only been in her head, Kyla was snapped back into reality. She had been with Midori for days, and never once had she heard anything but “horsie” sounds come out of the green unicorn. Out of frustration and exasperation, Kyla inadvertently shouted to no one in particular, “Since when can unicorns talk?!”
With the biggest grin a unicorn can muster and a small wink, Midori projected back, *I never said we couldn’t!* She then proceeded to focus all her attention on Gwyn and Rhaine, hoping for an answer.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 19, 2012 0:02:55 GMT -5
“ Midori, how delightful to see you here!” Gwyn greeted raptly, as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening and meeting random unicorns and companions all over the Skyfields was the most natural thing in the world. “I was just thinking about you – I believe I have a most unique bit of botany you have not yet come across on your forays throughout the Isle. I actually have it with me, in this satchel here – but we might have to wait for a quieter moment to make acquaintances.” She eyed the tree again, which was trembling violently, and for a moment she wondered if the tree itself might decide the outcome of this mess. “Yes, yes it certainly is quite the predicament…” she trailed off dubiously. From her back, Rhaine had turned at their approach and extended the welcome. “It is good to see you, Midori, and I am pleased to meet your companion, however strained the circumstance may currently be. I’m afraid we have little idea how this came to pass, I only hope we have some prospect in fixing it!” Behind her, Lyonee had been eying the green unicorn with interest. This was the first green one she had seen, which helped to conclude her conclusion that unicorns came in any and all colours, not just brown and grey like horses did. She decided she would like to meet a purple one and secure a friendship; after all, purple was her favorite colour. “ Tyden and Liam are going to slay the dragon,” she piped, which seemed to be the important part everyone else was neglecting to say. At the mention of his name, Liam – who had emerged from the obscurity of the herd at the first sign of trouble, and had placed himself in a chivalrous position between the ladies and threat of danger as his personal code required (although it would be much easier for him if certain ladies would restrain from rushing at the threat head on) – turned abruptly to trio and back again to the tree in the same motion. “Slay – a dragon?!” his voice nearly took leave, convinced this had not been in the job description. “Great Moth’r of t’e Almighty, ‘at a’ be true?!” Even Rhaine seemed paled as their attention fixed on the tree. “Oh by Kal,” she breathed, “I should surely hope not!” Yet all of a sudden she did not look so entirely certain… * Gypsy ducked as a branch crashed down from above, the whole tree moaning from the might of the creature’s struggles. Any more of this and the whole nest will come down, at best. The Skycats courted with a howling of their own, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to hold them off much longer. Dodging another falling mass of debris she slipped between Arieon and the tree, rounding the trunk until she came to where the largest part of the animal was protruding. The tail lashed, narrowly missing her, and she threw her front feet on the massive trunk as if she were about to make up the tree herself. “You up there, stop that!” she belted. As if in response the tree shook again, sending another cascade of nesting material to the ground. *I said STOP* she projected, just in case there had been any confusion as to who she was addressing. The effect was immediate. The beast’s tail and flailing wing went rigid, as if struck through with electricity. Even Arieon winced slightly. The Skycats settled quickly into neighbouring trees and a sudden stillness settled over the plateau. The wing gave a half-hearted furl and the tail seemed hesitantly undecided before coming to rest along the top of the branch. “I’m stuck, not deaf. You don’t have to shout,” the nest reproached sulkily. “Oh,” said Gypsy openly, inwardly heaving relief. “Well then. Can we help you down?” “No,” the nest refuted. “Oh,” said Gypsy again, a little more confounded then the first time. “Is there any particular reason why not?” For a response the nest snorted. “Like you are going to help me out…. where do I begin…. Firstly, I’m more then a little stuck in here. I’ve got a wing through the starboard, horns through the port, griffon feathers up my nose and you do not want to know what bits of griffon I have anywhere else. Secondly, I’m way up here. And thirdly…. oh, right. You’re a Unicorn.” The mare’s ears twitched as she listened (in fact, the whole plateau seemed to have cocked an ear). “This may all very well be true, but I fail to see how any of those are an eliminating factor. And, I am not alone. I have friends – we will all help you.” “A whole flock of you.... Fantastic. You did by chance notice I was a dragon, right? And that when I’m free of here I will burn the whole lot of you to charcoal and crunch on your bones?” “I had heard that somewhere, but was planning on chalking it up to rumour.” The nest sighed. “I guess either way I am done for; if my fate is to be sealed by either griffon or Unicorn, at this point I’m willing to risk anything that doesn’t involve regurgitated hairballs.” The tail twitched again in a sort of reserved yet almost hopeful animation. “So – how do you plan to get me out?”
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Post by Asperi on Sept 19, 2012 9:15:44 GMT -5
Much to Kyla’s relief, her little outbreak seemed to have gone largely unnoticed or ignored. Composing herself again, Kyla sighed and inadvertently thought to Midori *When will I ever stop being surprised by the things I’m seeing here?*
*Never, that’s part of the fun of Kalidore!* Midori sent back, then looked to Gwyn, “I can’t wait, you know how I love sampling your discoveries!” Midori was well aware of Gwyn’s love of spices and such, and always enjoyed hearing (and tasting) any new herbs the pale mare managed to find in her own travels.
Nodding a hello, Midori replied to Rhaine’s rather distracted welcome, “Always good to see you too! You and Lilaini are actually just the two we were looking for, though I’d expected our meeting to be a bit less, riveting? If there is anything I can do to help, you need only ask.”
Watching the pleasantries ensue, and waiting for an official introduction that never came, Kyla sat back and did her best to relax. It wasn’t until the mention of slaying a dragon that she realized Rhaine had her daughter with her. The girl was so young, Kyla had completely missed her amongst the saddle bags and the Guardian’s skirts. “That seems like an awful tall order with that Dragon way up in a tree. Do you suppose they’ll need to get a ladder?” she said as she winked at Liam. It was clear the man had no intention of doing any such thing, but Kyla decided it would be fun to play along anyways.
As the sudden command to stop resounded through their heads, Midori and Kyla were quickly brought to attention. While Midori understood completely where it came from and why, Kyla was again confused since she didn’t realize playing along with the little one would be such a problem. Biting her lip, she politely turned her attention back to the scene in front of them… and then the dragon talked too. *Of course it talks,* she thought, *next thing you know I’ll be holding lengthy conversations with plants!*
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Post by geob on Sept 19, 2012 10:03:47 GMT -5
Her attention had been on the tree and the drama unfolding about it. Only a flick of an ear gave indication that Foehn Miri noticed the newcomers to the group. The "since when unicorns talk?!" exclamation startled a snort of laughter from the brown mare. "Since about a minute ago, perhaps?" she asked innocently just as Gwyn began to speak. No one seemed to hear which was probably for the better, she decided. Everyone seemed to freeze when Gypsy gave her command to stop. Stoically Foehn Miri managed to contain her chuckle over that, but the dragon's final comments were too much. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I am sorely disappointed there will be no regurgitated hairballs." * * Tiponi, dear, if possible it might be a good idea to push aside the auras for us to deal with later,* Luminista gently counseled her companion, knowing that was easier said than done. Luminista was right, Tiponi thought. There were other matters that needed to take precedence at the moment. With that she carefully opened her eyes, bracing herself for the onslaught of light and colors. I can handle this, she told herself bracingly. Taking careful breaths she looked around and discovered she could indeed handle it. Her eyes settled on Liam standing between the main group and the tree. What was he doing so close to danger? He had only just been seriously injured. Jumping up onto Luminista's back (funny how quickly she had begun to think of the two of them as one, she made note to herself), she thought herself into position between Liam and the danger. Luminista chuckled to herself, sure that Tiponi was not even aware that she had shared her concerns for Liam with the red mare, let alone her need to stand between this man and danger. With amusement, sure that Liam was going to be -very- irritated when her realized what was going on, Luminista obediently moved carefully around the tree and into Tiponi's desired position. At this rate there was not going to be much room between the unicorn/companion group and the dragon infested tree!
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 19, 2012 20:51:32 GMT -5
Gypsy settled all four hooves back to the ground so she could think more carefully, only to find Arieon waiting for her with a somewhat quelled but expectant expression. His body language was clear – he didn’t like this, not one bit – but his natural curiosity was beginning to get the better of him. “It does have a point,” he hissed, so not to be overheard. To Gypsy’s blank look he continued, “the dragon. In the tree. How are we supposed to get him down? Should that be what you truly wish to do, on his behalf…” Gypsy sighed, “It is what we do, as children of Kal. It is our place to help.” *Even a Dragon?* Arieon snorted, but kept his thoughts directed at Gypsy alone. *After what Ulysses has for told, after all that has happened here…**All that has happened here is that we have found a visitor to the isle in a state of need. What would become of us if we began to pick and choose who could take haven here? *He did not answer, for all the answers were unpleasant. His ears remained low to his neck, but he couldn’t help steal another look at the beast, now that it wasn’t thrashing around. It was a little bigger then unicorn, what with the extra appendages that when protruding in every direction, which to tell the truth was a lot smaller than what Areion was expecting. Then again, he realized, he was no longer a silly kor, frightened by his brother’s ghost stories; adulthood (and daylight!) did a lot for one’s perspective. In fact, in this light, the stuck dragon in the tree looked… well, rather ridiculous if one were being completely honest... “Perhaps," began Arieon, noticing that Gypsy had started down the small slope away from him, “perhaps we could enlist the Skycats’ help. They could all take hold of him and pull from different sides–" “At once?” the mare quipped, but not too harshly, for Arieon was at least trying, in his own way, to support this crazy idea of hers, to help a dragon. They had arrived at where Liliani and Tyden stood, the rest of the group spread a short distance away. “He needs our help," Gypsy announced, as if that made it official. From behind, they heard the nest sigh, as if further resolving itself to a fate it had decided was only slightly better than griffon pellets. * Sensing the delicate truce, Rhaine released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Relief came in many forms – one, that Gypsy had turned the situation so quickly and effectively, and secondly, that their first encounter with a dragon had not, so far, become a tale fit for Dragon’s Moon Night. There were few books on Dragons in the library and like the tales of Al’therwen, were cryptic at best; despite all that had happened on this journey so far, until this moment the existence of dragons had seemed no more real than an old mare’s tale. “Come,“ she said softly to the others beside her, ”let us see if we can be of some help.” Lyonee’s disappointment was abated only by the notion that the only thing better then a slain dragon was one you could have a conversion with. She had so many questions! But to her dismay Gwyn only brought them up alongside Liam, which was, in her opinion, a terrible distance away. Oblivious, the mare reached forward to nibble at the man’s collar, who had been frowning at Lumanista’s backside with a certain chagrin. “It looks like no one will have to do any slaying today after all,” she soothed in a most motherly way – which did nothing to sooth his slightly sored ego on the matter. At this point, he was rather pining for the dragon fight; at least THAT would have granted him a quick and comparatively painless death.... "Ach," Liam sighed with a certain resolve of his own. "Och, I s'pose 'tis just as well," he turned to the group, and catching Kyla's eye, managed a defeated grin, "I've seen many a grand miracle since arriving, but, now 'atcha mention it, but I dinnae recall seeing a single ladder..."
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Post by Asperi on Sept 25, 2012 10:25:45 GMT -5
Oblivious to Foehn Miri’s comments, Kyla continued to fret that she’d done something wrong. Luckily, Liam’s clever reply was able to beak the tension that had spread across her features. With a quiet giggle she admitted to him, “You do make a very good point, sir.”
At Rhaine and Gypsy’s request, Midori stepped forward looking for a way to help. This caused Kyla to briefly lose her balance at the unexpected movement, and again brought her attention to what lay before them. Sensing her companion’s feeling of helplessness, because, let’s face it, unicorns can’t exactly climb trees, Kyla decided she may as well take the plunge and offer to join the fray. After all, not all the dragons in her childhood stories ate people.
Silently taking a deep breath, she suggested, “Even though I don’t have my climbing gear with me, I do have a knack for free climbing. As long as that thing stays quiet, I could make my way up there to get a closer look at what it’s caught on. Maybe even cut it loose?”
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 25, 2012 21:46:51 GMT -5
Arieon snorted. "I would sooner trust a muskmouse with a honeybun then that creature with the welfare of anyone in this group. No one is to go near that tree..." "Well that would somewhat limit our options," Tyden remarked dryly. "And, while I share your concern for our safety, I wouldn't be so quick to rule it out. I will go and investigate, but the rest of you ought to stay here." "....so the big, strong Tyden can free the ferocious beast and bare it down to us using with only his bare hands...." Lilaini mimed, though not quite quietly enough. "Unless someone would like to use those Kal-given powers to simply lift the beast and save us all the trouble," he countered, which only earned him a poisonous glare that inspired him to turn his attention back towards the tree. The Skycats were still perched in the neighbouring branches, but it was clear their patience on the matter were wearing thin. They needed to act quickly. And, maybe Lilaini did have a point. "If you're nimble on your feet," he directed to Kyla, "then let's see what we're dealing with here." And he gave the tree another once-over before seizing a thick branch to pull himself aloft. Settling easily, he turned and offered a hand. "Coming?" Towards the back of the group, the notion of a Dragon had not been lost on Xanthe, who was sure she had a spell for that in saddlepack. Lucky thing the tales of Dragon's Moon Night had been fresh in her head while she packed - otherwise she may have overlooked such an important provision! Providing she could find it....
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Post by mblansett on Sept 26, 2012 17:44:30 GMT -5
Marie upon hearing someone said climbing. Marie looks at Shadow Mist. Shadow Mist nod as go ahead and speak your mine. “I can go with both of you, I have done a lot of climbing myself... and all the eyes we can get up there, better off we are.”
Shadow Mist could sense Marie was nervous even speaking up. “Marie are you not one bit wondering what the creatures are and how you should act with them.”
Marie blink she has not even thought about that because she was thinking about what the dragon said about being in trouble. “Well. Yes, I wondering what the creature that was flying are call, and as for the dragon, it said it was in trouble even though it don't want the help; so I am more concern on how it help it any way, no matter what the risk. Just because some one don't want the help don't mean they don't need it.”
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Post by Asperi on Sept 26, 2012 21:00:43 GMT -5
*Bravo!*, Midori silently cheered to her companion at the offer of assistance, in large part because she really had no way of helping out herself--hooves just weren't made for scaling trees!
After watching the quick exchange between the polite man and the rather cranky lady, Kyla decided to follow the man’s lead. After all, he seemed the more sensible to the two. Slipping off Midori’s back and advancing carefully, she reached the tree’s base just as the man settled on a branch and offered her a hand.
“Yes,” she returned politely, “but I think I can manage on my own Sir, at least for now. Thanks for the offer!” With that, she grabbed hold of the knobby tree trunk and began scaling it as if it were a rock face. *Nice to finally be doing something familiar again, even if it is just climbing* she thought to herself as she made her way to the nest. She was about half way up the tree when she heard one of the other party members also offer to help. Assuming the girl would follow if needed, Kyla continued her climb without missing a beat.
Pulling herself from branch to branch Kyla managed to work her way around and up the tree to a place where she could clamber into the nest. Glancing quickly over the edge, she saw that the man was right behind her. Taking care to keep her distance from the prickly little skykittens, Kyla began to assess the dragon’s predicament. “Oh dear, you really are stuck now aren’t you!” she exclaimed at seeing just how well wedged into the nest the dragon actually was.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 28, 2012 0:40:39 GMT -5
The dragon snorted, which sent a spray of feathers shooting up and around their heads. “Stuck! Well of COURSE I’m stuck! What did you think this was, a social call? Stupid mmphfrfll…” he trailed into nest. His head was buried somewhere below and he couldn’t see them, only sense their presence, and he thought to himself it was strange that Dar’Keeli lived here, among unicorns. Why would anyone want to do a thing like that? Unicorns were vile. Not that he had ever given much thought to Dar’keeli, but it had now just struck him as curious. Or maybe that was the blood draining to his head. Either way it was clear these weren’t any particularly useful Dar’keeli, which was just his luck. He planted his legs and gave a few feeble tugs, but all that succeeded was another spray of debris plummeting from the nest downwards.
“Whoa –ho! Hold on there,” Tyden steadied himself with a branch as the tree shook, squeals from the griffons only adding to the din. He glanced to see that Kyla was allright, and as soon as the world settled he crept forward, leaning as close to the beast as dared. “You’re going to bring the whole tree down if you keep that up, and at that point I am not sure we can keep up the Skycat’s good behavior. We are going to help you get out, but it’s going to take some teamwork. My name’s Tyden; what may we call you?”
The next quivered as the dragon seemed to consider. “Phenthorr,” he rumbled quietly.
“Good to meet you then, Phenthorr. Do you have any sense of what you’re stuck on?”
“The nest,” came the response, the ‘duh’ withheld but implied.
“I’m going to climb over and see if I can get a better look at things. You will hold still?”
“Well now, that shouldn’t be TOO much of a problem…”
Tyden gave Kyla another glance before releasing the safety of the branches to climb onto the nest itself. The gleaming purple-and-silver scales of the beast dazzled in the sun, the free wing folding neatly over his back. The tail alone remained wrestles, twitching rapidly across the leaves. Taking a breath, he reached forward to lay his hand on the sleek shoulder. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but found the beast warm to the touch, the scales smooth and even supple. When Phenthorr maintained his cool Tyden moved in closer, peering into the deep cavity where the head disappeared. Two sweeping, tapered horns protruded backwards and out of the nest, and Tyden saw the problem – his head stuck fast like a carp on a fishhook and nowhere to go but down. Somehow.
“How… how did you get in there?” Tyden frowned.
“I tripped,” the nest shrugged.
“Tripped.”
“Exactly. And if you geniuses are done assessing the extent of your inadequacies, then I will… ah.. ah-hah—” the nest shook as the dragon heaved, a stray feather lodging up his nose and daring him to— “AH-CHOO!”
A burst of feathers and dust (with a faint but distinct burnt aroma around the edges) shot into the air and sent Tyden hacking. He caught a branch in the crook of his elbow, steadying himself, but even as he did his footing began to slip. No, not just his footing – the whole nest was shuddering, like a boat fighting its mooring and preparing to go….
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Post by Asperi on Sept 28, 2012 8:25:12 GMT -5
“Some nerve you have calling us stupid when you are the one stuck tail-over-teakettle in a nest!” Kyla shot back. Listening to the Dragon’s snippy retorts to Tyden, whose name she finally discovered, Kyla mumbled, “Ungrateful beast,” hoping it was just loud enough for the dragon to hear her. The more that Phenthorr said, the less included she was to help him, but at the same time she couldn’t just abandon someone in need, no matter how rude they may be.
Tyden’s last glance seemed to read “Stay there, I’ll call if you can help,” but regardless of his implied request, Kyla was far too curious to see what Phenthorr was caught on to sit still. Since she was already in the nest, she figured it wouldn’t hurt to edge just a little closer. Hearing the Dragon’s explanation of his predicament Kyla couldn’t help but smirk, *Tripped? Really? On what?!*
As she was just getting within reach of Phenthorr’s backside, Midori mindspoke to her, *Do be careful dear, it is a long way down, and horns were not made for catching clumsy humans* Kyla would have laughed at Midori’s comment, but just then the dragon began to shudder. Then the tree began to shudder. Then the Dragon sneezed, and everything began to shift. Quickly grabbing onto the nearest branch, Kyla held on for dear life and prayed it would hold her weight! With the nest shifting again, Kyla heard sky kittens resumed their hissing and screeing. She glanced back at them quickly, hoping they would all be smart enough to to grab a branch if the nest finally plummeted.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 28, 2012 15:31:12 GMT -5
A short whicker of alarm escaped from Gypsy’s lips as the nest shuddered, Liliani catching hold of her mane to haul herself aboard as the mare went dashing around the tree for a better view. She landed beside Midori, craning her head up towards the branches.
“Hold still, everyone!” she barked, and in the same breath, “Are you all okay?” Whatever answer they gave was lost to the scream of the sky cats, as the tawny male took to the air again, monitoring the event with a precise and closing ring above them. The spotted female soon followed, flanking her mate in a slightly wider circle, but the kits remain treed – for now. Hang in there, she willed them all.
Tyden’s head appeared over the edge of the nest. “We’re okay! But Phen’s really stuck – it’s his horns, they’re right through the side of the nest…”
Phen? Liliani frowned, but didn’t wait, “What can we do to help?”
“Unless you can lift him bodily straight up and out, I am not sure how we’re going to do it without an axe—” the beast’s tail came lashing nervously above his head, “FOR THE BRANCHES!” Tyden shouted over his shoulder.
“We have one, in the packs!” she relayed. “Gypsy and I—”
*I am not sure we have time for that, Sweetling* the mare’s eyes were on the skies, which seemed colder here, for all they were clear and piercing blue. *If you were to lift him—*
“Lift – the dragon?!” the woman choked. “Gypsy—” But her companion’s voice rang in her head like heavy song. *As you did with the cavebear*
*I had no idea what I was doing with the cavebear! That was a fluke! I panicked—*
*It may be our only way to save the nest, and appease the poor beasts who dwell here, and save Phen, before something were to happen...*
Xanthe flung the pack free and several scrolls tumbled out, a couple gummed with the sticky remains of chocolate from the night before. She would have to have words with Kynn later, but now she had a group to save. She selected the most promising scroll and held it down with her foot, nearly tearing the delicate parchment in her haste. “Gambasa… gambasa o’see… coneefara…” some of the words were smeared, but she could still make them out, barely. “Hahassa, o’nee… yarrrrrrrrggghhfff.” The last word sounded wrong. It really did. She peered at it closer but that’s really what the parchment read – as best as she could see between the chocolate stains. Oh! There was one more word, the incantation: “Hassa-galaseth!” She looked up, feeling the zapping across her face as the spell came to life. She had done it! She really had! And then—
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