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Post by Admin on Nov 27, 2008 16:47:50 GMT -5
Gypsy's stride never faultered as she attempted to close the gap between her and Persephone. She was moving as if her hooves were hardly touching the ground, yet the sound of the villagers still reached her ears. Relief washed over both Gypsy and her rider as they saw Fiera and Xanthe[/blue] hurtling towards the Mare Imbri and Persephone. She expected to see Spirit and Phae shortly behind, but she her attention was pulled back in front of her before she had time to see if they indeed were following. Lilaini stiffened as she saw Tyden leap off of Persephone's back and come charging towards them on foot, sword drawn. What is he doing?!, the thought burst from her mind. Mare Imbrium and Rhaine had turned and briefly spoke with him before turning and galloping back off towards the gate. We've got to help him hold them off. He can't do it alone. Gypsy's thought of determination rubbed against her mind, and the Guardian felt the mares strides slacken as they approached Tyden. Lilaini looked behind her and nodded, the villagers were relentless. Circling behind Tyden, Gypsy turned and pulled up next to him, the arrows still protruding painfully from rump. Lilaini had offered to take them out telekinetically but the mare had refused, saying they must save their energy for more important things. This appeared to be what she was referring too, the young woman thought.
No cocky comments came out of the young woman's mouth this time towards Tyden, the feeling of determination they were both feeling was much too great. She glanced at him briefly, watching the strained look that was on his face. "I'll try and hold them off," she said finally, "any that get past me you and Gypsy will have to take care of." Reaching out the magic that was flowing around her she began hurling balls of energy towards the group of villagers, causing them to topple over or scatter. The results were not large enough though, and the amount of energy she was using to try and continue using her powers was exhausting. She abanonded this technique for something that was less draining, and began mentally picking up and hurling all the stones that were within view. Many villagers fell but more kept coming and she was beginning to feel light headed. Despite her best efforts more villagers kept advancing towards them. Gypsy began feeding more of her energy into her companion so she could continue with her efforts, but neither was sure how much longer they could continue.....
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 27, 2008 23:40:12 GMT -5
The first soldier who made it through came at them with sword drawn, urging his horse into the space between them. Tyden didn't wait for Lilaini to turn, he swung his blade in a narrow arc, knocking the sword back and sliding outwards and down, passing below the the stirrup. The soldier twisted in the saddle, trying to follow, but Tyden had already cleared and came around from behind. His sword was quick; the horse had lunged on ahead before his rider knew what happened and toppled down. There was no time to contemplate what had just happened, either; even as he turned Lilaini called out, another pair flanking up from the leaside.
She reacted instinctively, and caught the first with a ripple of power and knocked the horse clear into the other. Both went down, but the solider who fell clear was on his feet the moment after, charging back towards them with sword high overhead. His brows were furrowed and he was screaming something terrible. Tyden met the landing blow with his sword, stumbling back from the sheer weight of it. The man was huge. He saught for better footing, but each time he tried the soldier flailed at him again, using his sword like a hammer, driving him back. Their swords locked, and Tyden gazed his opponent in the eye. There was no mercy there, only grit, bent on driving him and the rest into them to the ground. Just as they'd done a hundred times before. Just like the would continue to do for a hundred years to come. For no reason other then that they were different. The notion sicked him, and cold hard anger welled in his throat.
He heard a cry and Lilaini was exclaiming something, but he didn't hear. Willing all his strength he pushed free, using the momentum to follow through. When turned again the soldier was already around and charging, and he let him come, this time only glancing the blade as he went by. The oaf's movements were powerful, but lacked grace; once pressed into action, he couldn't counter. When the sword slid by him there was nowhere to turn as it slipped down and ripped across his side. Tyden wiped the sweat from his eyes with back of his sleave, disgusted to find blood and hoped not too much of it was his. "What now?" he called to Lilaini above the din.
"I see Spirit and Lana - someone's after them!"
He braced against Gypsy's warm side, catching his breath. "Well, I think you're in a better position right now to help them than I."
She would have scowled at him, weakened from the last blast, but was already focusing her energy on the figures that came into view - Spirit's gleaming gold and black dwarfing Lana's small form, the riders in persuit pulling closer with each stride. I don't think so, Lilaini narrowed her gaze, and let fly a small but keenly projected rock at the leader of the two. It caught Brogan squarely in the chest, and was probably the shock more then anything that made him stumble back. He imagined he'd been hit by a cannon shot and recoiled dramatically, loosing his grip on the reins and stumbling backwards off his horse. "Ha!" Lilaini sang as Spirit went sweeping up the hill toward Rhaine.
"Nice one," Tyden grinned. "Now do that a hundred times more and we'll be out of here."
*You don't have the energy to keep doing that another ten times, let alone a hundred* Gypsy's concern broke into her thoughts. *It's time we left here while we still can*
"I don't see Phae," Lilaini spoke out loud. "We can't leave without Phae!"
* * *
At the mount of the hill Imbri danced on her hinds, letting loose a wild and trumpet to the sky. *This way, sisters of Kalidore! Come, follow me!*
Rhaine waited until the mare had landed before she slackened her grip. "But where are you leading them? The gate's back that way --" her gaze followed to where Spirit came, the soldiers - one fallen now, but still another astride - had joined the others scrambling up the hillside. For all the unicorns who were there, she noted with heartache that ones was still decidedly missing.
"We have to go back for her," she prodded as Imbri turned, ignoring her cry altogether and starting out cross the plateau. "What are you doing? The Gate's back that way --"
"And the soldiers too, or had you forgotten?" the mare snorted. "This way is much better."
"But we can't-- and I won't-- and-- and there's nothing that way, unless you mean for us to sail off that cliff! I highly doubt--"
*Hush, small one* the voice in her head was terse, but calm. *We will be clear of this soon enough, you will see. Call the others to follow. You must trust me...*
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Post by silentmoon on Nov 29, 2008 10:45:30 GMT -5
Fiera recieved the guardian's messages loud and clear. She made a labored breathing sound and closed her eyes, feeling the exhaustion of galloping on the run for such a long time and at such a fast pace - depleatable. Ali, still astride, felt her growing anxiety for her companion's state of health and the being of the other's current state. "Seems like I'm getting more than I bargained for." She laughed cruely, shaking her head at the thought. "Probably. But hold on tight dear, we're going to be on the move again, it seems." Fiera said, glancing at Lilaini and Tyden's direction to Imbri and Rhaine's directon. "I'm just worried about Phae."
The bright mare left no time or room for Ali to speak, instead she lurched forward at a steady pace. The soldier chasing them was fast approaching, thus sending everything in motion once again. "Gate. Run. To where? We'll just have to see." Fiera chanted to herself under heavy breathing, making their way up the hill and rocky dirt road. Sudden as it was, Lana and Spirit came into view, which gladdened Ali to sighing relief. But Fiera was more keen on where Phae was.
They made a lope towards where Mare Imbri and Rhaine where; approaching them was a mad idea, but something about staying close together tugged at their minds. Upon approach, Fiera kept her distance; however following after. "I'll get her for this after we get back. Staying behind to fight." Fiera scoffed, her emotions a mixture of anger, anguish and genuine concern for her sister like figure. Her body tense with ears back, looking down to hide her expression behind forelock, digging up bits of the ground.
"How long will it take you guys to make...summon this gate? Everyone's quite exhausted from this whole," Ali let go do mane and waved her hands around, make gestures to emphasize what she was saying, "adventure." The girl then let her eyes wander briefly around at the landscape. Such a pretty place but at such a bad time. Pity much? She thought dryly.
((Erm... I'm not so sure if I've cought up with anything really besides running away and stuff. And I think i forget things... ^^))
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Post by shazzadee86 on Nov 30, 2008 0:42:59 GMT -5
Both unicorn and companion were tired and sore from the days events, and craved time to stop and at least catch their breath. With soldier's coming from more than one direction, and villagers still following from the town, they knew their wish was yet impossible and strove to keep up and avoid the soldiers. Upon hearing Imbri's call Persephone and Aislinn, now astride, turned to join her and Rhaine in the growing, but not complete, group. Persephone fell in with the rhythm of the other unicorn's gaits, the fast but steady beat soothing as sweat poured down her flanks and fatigue threatened to overtake her. Aislinn crouched as low as she could, trying to ease her new friends load as much as possible. Turning her face away from the stinging wind as they raced on, she watched the ground fly past, a green blur with an occasional flash of brown were the ground had been broken by the thundering hooves of racing unicorns. 'They're going to make another gate? The gate we arrived through is in the other direction.' Persephone's mind reached out to Aislinn with comfortable ease. 'Gate? What's a gate? Gate to wear?' Aislinn sent back, her mind ever filled with questions about the new and unexplained. 'A gate to Kalidore. A gate home.' The feeling Persephone placed on the final word filled Aislinn with hope that such a place could exist for her. Most of her life had been spent on the move, never really settling anywhere. Glancing behind them as Persephone surged forward, Aislinn took one final glance at the town that had almost been the setting of her final moments. In a way, she was sad. One part of her life had come to a close, all that was left now was forwards, forwards away from the soldiers and the pain they brought, forwards to Kalidore.
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Post by Delicious on Dec 4, 2008 18:09:35 GMT -5
'Phae pushed her way through the underbrush of the forest - her progress slowed by the slumped figured that threatened to topple from her back at any moment. She had managed to rouse Liam enough to get him mostly atop her - but much to her chagrin, once astride he passed out again.
"You miserable man, can't make anything easy - can you?" she grumbled, but the venom in her voice had long ago disappated. Truth be told, the energy expediture from the fight had finally caught up with her, and her limbs and head felt leaden with exhaustion. "I do hope the others are okay - goodness knows I'm not going to be worth much when we find them. If we find them." she sighed heavily. "And nothing personal, but if it comes between you and them ... well ... you might have to make friends with the ground again." Slowly she stepped over a moss-covered log, careful not to jostle the unconscious man as little as possible. "It's not personal you understand ..." she winced as she pushed her way through the briar patch on the other side of the log, the large thorns cutting deeply into her flanks. "Hrrrrrrhmgph. Alright - so that's a lie. It IS personal. But you can hardly blame me - or knowing you, you would anyways. Wretch."
Pasiphae continued the external monologue for several more minutes before lapsing into a tired silence. Liam had gone disturbingly still and slumped farther down her back - and she fretted worriedly, as even the sound of his shallow breathing began to fade beneath the muffled sounds of her passage through the grey-green woods.
It felt like ages before they made the edge of the woods - and Pasiphae looked out onto the moor and cursed, her voice cracking with emotion. The hills stretched out farther than her eyes could see - all mist-hewn and rolling hills - with no sign of the rest of the herd anywhere.
------------
As Spirit stood panting, her head hanging down, Lana detached herself slowly from her death grip on the wheaten mare's neck. She glanced around, her eyes wide and still flightly frightened by the harrowing chase through the hills - but seeing no evidence of any of the soldier's still standing - breathed a small sigh of relief. Relief that - upon noticing Phae's absence - vanished in a sharp ache.
(( Gotta stop here for now. <3 ))
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Post by Admin on Dec 18, 2008 21:40:26 GMT -5
Gypsy too was concerned for the whereabouts of Phae but she could feel her companion’s strength failing. Looking at Tyden she saw perspiration glistening off his forhead and he was breathing heavily. “Enough is enough”, she said outloud. “We are leaving NOW, while you too have enough energy left to hang on and while I have enough energy to carry you out of harmsway.” Her green eyes flashed, and she turned so that Tyden could easily mount. “Hurry up, get on! Or so help me I will carry you in my mouth the way a mother cat does her kittens all the way to Kalidore if I have to. Hurry!” The forcefulness in the mares voice left no room for argument. Lilaini pushed herself forward, closer to Gypsy’s withers, and Tyden jumped up, being careful to avoid the arrow that was sticking out of her rump.
With the two humans in tow, Gypsy wheeled around and took off as fast as she could in the direction they had last seen Rhaine and Mare Imbruim. Despite the added weight, the bronze mares feet pelted the ground amazing speed. As the overtook a hill, the others came into view. Most of the group was far ahead of them, but Spirit and Lana were standing in the middle of the pathway, appearing to be frozen to the spot. Go! Gypsy yelled to them both mentally and continued to hurtle towards them. We are not remaining here to wait, it is not going to be our future to loose our lives here, now MOVE. She was planning on herding them towards the others if they were silly enough to ignore her command but luckily they heeded the mares words and turned, heading off towards the others at a gallop with Gypsy and her two riders following close behind.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Dec 18, 2008 21:49:44 GMT -5
The earth flew beneath them, Imbri’s long strides eating the ground in ravenous blows. Rhaine threw a look over her shoulder to mark the others – they were a length or two behind, and already she could see they couldn’t hold this pace for long. Xanthe’s shorter legs had to work twice as hard, and try as she might, she was slipping backwards into the pack; the other Kore would fair no better. Her eyes sought out the companions, clinging to the manes of their steed with knuckles white and bodies braced against the wind. Liliani and Tyden pulled up the rear, Gypsy dashing from side to side to prod the rump that needed to move faster.
Behind her the legions came, pendants flying and horns blowing, each believing they were doing the will of their God and that made their pursuit insatiable, unyielding and relentless.
*Rhaine* the voice brushed against her mind. The girl turned forward, her attention drawn to the ebony unicorn beneath her. *You have to summon the Gate* Mare Imbrium said.
Panic-struck, fear pierced her chest and took her wind. “But I can’t–” she gasped, “not without Lilaini – and there’s no time…”
*Now, Rhaine. Make the Gate now!*
*I can’t!*
She felt the mare snort, her head tossed with annoyance. *Of course you can. You’ve been playing with gates since you were a babe, the least you can do is open one before we all perish—*
*But I didn’t know what I was doing then* she protested.
*Good to see how wisdom has expanded your mind thusly!* the mare shot back. Then sighed, and seemed to catch her anxiety between her teeth and swallow it down. *Amarhaine* she began softly, but resolutely. *I would never ask you to do more then you are capable of doing. You know that. And I know that you are afraid. But I also know you have it within you to do what is required of you. I would let nothing happen to you, ever. And I am always here for you, should you need me. Open the Gate; I am right here…*
Her words hung in the air, and there was no answer; the dark mare closed her eyes against the barrage of thoughts that tumbled through her mind. The air burned her nostrils and stung her ears. Behind her the others strained to keep pace, just a step ahead of the gloom. Please, she thought to herself, do not let her doubt like me. Let not the others suffer for my mistakes…
A shout made her eyes snap open, and what she saw nearly caused her to loose the ground. Across the dull horizon a beacon had appeared, a sharp apex of light that hovered and strobed, growing in strength and intensity and unwinding like a spring cut loose and thrashing. She shied against its brightness but couldn’t turn away – it held her like a creature transfixed. It breathed, this elemental light, rhythmically expanding, until a shudder and it went pealing across the horizon with a terrific blast. As it recoiled, Imbri saw what it was and gasped, shot with awe – it was a Gate, a wide, sprawling Gate, large enough to take in the whole flock in a single breath. *Well done, Rhaine, well done!* her spirits soared high above the battlefield. A cry parted her lips, half a laugh, a trumpet, to rally the others forward. “Through the Gate,” she sang, her voice carrying to the others on the wind, “through the Gate to Kalidore!”
Home… it stretched before the unicorns a wide and rippling shore of green and azure. Through the shimmering fringe the great meadow was spread before them, the knee-high grass ebbing with wild flowers all dancing in the breeze. With it came the song of familiar birds and the scent of flowers, of earth warm, rich, and full; it lit their hearts and dulled the pain in their legs. Nostrils flared and ears carved forward, whinnies bugling in delight.
For the companions, the green Isle of Kalidore marked something different, something new…but the kind of new experience that was welcomed, even yearned for. To them Kalidore was a promised land – a hallowed place. A place of new beginning, the chance to start again, to learn from, to grow… Even if only for a moment they remained in these green hills, each knew they would not leave there the same person they had been before. In that notion, there was trepidation; the unknown was spread before them wild and unyielding, and there was no turning back. Not that any of them wanted to… as the unicorns rallied to each other, it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. Apprehension flew away in the wind and they crossed into Kalidore without fear.
As she passed through the Gate, Mare Imbrium felt the weight on her back shift. Her long strides had carried her deep into the green grass of the field and she slowed to circle, watching the others stream through the gate in unison. Beyond them, the army had skidded to a halt, transfixed and recoiling, breaking apart and scattering as solider after soldier turned to flee. Already, the edges of the Gate had begun to recede, but they were through…. exhausted but happy they came, grown mares prancing like young kore and the kore collapsed in gleeful heaps to kick their heels skyward and rub the smell of home back into their skin. The Companions too she saw were smiling. “Look, Rhaine, they feel as if they’re home too,” she murmured softly, and felt no response from rider. “Rhaine?” She craned her head around, but even as she did the momentum sent the woman sliding, and she had no way of holding her up. “Oh, help me!” Imbri cried out loud.
Gypsy had pulled through the centre of the band slowing to a jog just short of them, her attention jerked from the crowd to the struggling pair with dismay. Tyden was vaulting off her back before she came to a complete stop and Lilaini was a step behind. “Hold, Imbri!” she called out.
With what hands? Imbri’s mind burned until she realized she meant her to stop moving. She planted her feet, blowing hard and shaking all over, unable to do anything as she felt her rider slip from her back. Then Tyden was beside her, catching Rhaine into his arms with Lilaini there to steady them. They sunk down in the green, green grass, the warm sun of Kalidore bathing them in radiance.
“Rhaine!” Lilaini knelt beside them, her hand flying to her small herb pouch for smelling salts. Next to her the dark unicorn folded on her knees, her trembling legs giving way beneath her and went down.
“Does she breathe?” Imbri whispered hoarsely.
Tyden cradled the woman in his arms. His face was pinched and white as he fought against the panic rising in his chest. He brought her close, his head inclined. “She breathes,” he sighed, and the unicorn heaved an arduous breath and let it out all in a rush, the dread leaving her body like a spring flood.
Above them the sun beamed and the wind sang, telling all of Kalidore of the their return...
((AND WE ARE HOME!!! ARE WE ALL OKAY??))
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Post by shazzadee86 on Dec 19, 2008 19:08:59 GMT -5
As the Gate stretched wide and open before them, Persephone and Aislinn hurtled through without a second thought or a glance behind them. Kalidore stretched before them, green and lush, with the brightest of blue skies crowning the field they found themselves in. Relieved to be home, Persephone slowed to a walk and then stopped, allowing Aislinn to slide off her smooth mahogany back. Keeping one arm across Persephone's withers for support, Aislinn took her first steps in Kalidore, the first of many to come. 'Welcome to Kalidore, welcome home my Aislinn.' Relieved to be home again, the adrenalin began to ebb from Persephone's body, she would need sleep and soon, but still had a few things to do before she would have time for that. 'Home.' Eyes wide with wonder as she took in her new surroundings, Aislinn breathed Kalidore in, trying to rid her senses of the horrors she had experienced. The filth of holding cells, the reek of the unwashed bodies they contained, the rancid oil burned in the lanterns where she had been held. A strong breeze blew past, she let it take the memories with it, may it do with them what it will. Watching the other unicorns and companions as they walked, it took the pair awhile to notice the approaching hoof beats. 'Mother! You're baaaaack!' Reaching them at a breakneck pace, Pandora nearly slammed into them as she tried to bring herself to a stop. It had been hard for her to stay behind, but she hadn't felt the call for a companion like some of the other kore. 'Yes Pan, I'm back. I would like you to meet my companion, Aislinn. Aislinn, this is my daughter, Pandora.' 'Hello Pan, I look forward to getting to know you better.' Walking over to the spotted kore as she spoke, Aislinn meant every word. The young unicorn in all her exuberance at the return of her friends and family was hard not to like, and she found herself smiling as she watched her. Peering out from her mother's side, Pan eyed the newcomer with curiosity. 'Aislinn... huh.' Closing the last of the distance between them, Pan thrust her nose into Aislinn's face and began snuffling her hair and clothes, both streaked with ash and soot. 'You smell... funny.' 'Pan! Manners!' With a snort, Persephone chided her daughter as Aislinn burst out laughing. 'I never said that was bad! And I like her, I do! Please don't be upset. I know! Come with me! There is this glorious patch of clover just over here...' And with that she turned and trotted off leaving Persephone and Aislinn still reeling and struggling to catch up.
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Post by angelofmusic on Dec 19, 2008 20:00:32 GMT -5
Trinity traveled onward along the path, soon coming there to a village. Finding a stable, she was able to place the horse, but when asked how long she would be staying, she had replied not for long, but she would not require the horse. The stableman was a bit confused, but nodded and said he would take care of the horse. She took the items from the saddle bag and wandered through town. It took the entire morning, but she had eventually sold off the items in the saddle bags and too the saddle bags themself. Now with food and money, she left the village and would once more begin to wander.
Wandering her way along the hills and path, Trinity would let her mind wander, but as she did, she hummed a soft song, one she had heard once in a dream. It was a tune she hummed often and often times she played it on her tin whistle. The day was for the most part sunny, but she could tell that perhaps rain was on the way.
The day wore on and eventually, so came the rain. Pulling her hood over her head Trinity looked around for cover and finding a stand of trees, she ran for them. They looked bunched together, so perhaps, there was chance that it was dry. Looking for a way to squeeze in as the trees were close together, she eventually finds one and squeezes through. It was dry indeed, the trees were old. There was space enough she could wander her way through, perhaps wait out the passing showers.
"Hopefully I can find my way through here and by then the rain will have passed," she mutterd to herself with a smile.
As she wandered, she would soon see light through another opening. Perhaps the storm had passed already and she had found a way out. Moving towards it, she would look and see a rolling field. A smile came as she saw no rain and she would then begin to squeeze through the opening. Catching her foot, she would struggle a little bit, till she had pulled free. In doing so, she stumbled and fell head over heels down a grassy slope till she lay on her back, staring at the sky.
"Well...I hope no one saw that," she muttered and just lay there, letting the sun warm her face, yet the grass wasn't wet. "Perhaps the rain hadn't come here yet..."
(Hope that's alright, feel free to change anything Lady W. ^^)
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Post by silentmoon on Dec 19, 2008 21:04:38 GMT -5
"I see tha gate!" Fiera cried out instantly, glimpsing the ethereal beauty from afar, her strides strained yet faster and more energy spilling into each step. Home is only a gate away." She thought longingly to herself and to Ali, wanting to share every bit of her home to her new companion. Ali had squinted to see their gateway away from this place. Something about it seemed... celestrial. But Fiera and all the other unicorns were celestrial creatures right? She couldn't help but think.
No smiling and cheering yet until we get to the other side. Most definetly., Ali thought to herself. She felt her hands tightning on what was silky orange mane, her adrenaline rushing through her veins, causing the most noticable heart thrum if they were somewhere peaceful and quiet. "I see the people are resceding. Good to know." Fiera snorted, rolling her eyes at all the trouble this place and those people had caused everyone. And good to be gone! Soon home where she'd greet her sisters alike.
The events that followed were close, quick, tight and choppy. First, it was through the gate of swirling madness. The once present tingling sensation was barely noticable to the duo, as their excitment masked any uneasiness that was to be felt. Secondly, the land of Kalidore was beyond any place she'd seen on earth. Of course, earth had it's beauties, but the vast and virgin landscape of Kalidore filled her eyes. She let her emotions go and let peace and relief fill her soul and mind.
Thirdly, "We're home dear. This is my home, and now it shall be yours too." Fiera whispered, only audiable enough for only her human's ears to hear. She came to a circling stop, legs in knee high emerald grass while the warm cool breeze tossled her mane. The mare closed her eyes, and raised her muzzle to the sky, breathing in the very air that she had missed so much. A sudden flow of unicorns came rushing by in a fantastic roar to greet everyone who just came home. Ali noted that there were so many. But they all had one of two looks; astonishment and awe. And by the looks of Spirit, Lana Persaphone and Aislinn, they seemed to be around her aswell.
Ali wanted to get closer to see, so she slid off Fiera's back, only to find that her legs were weak and unsteady from so much running just a few moments ago. "Are we really in another world? Seems, so... impossible." She breathed, trying to regain her balance by using her companion for some support. The grass didn't itch her arms when she felt it because it was rather soft and comforting. "I could get used to all this, certainly." And she let a dumbstruck grin roll over her features. The beauty of this place! And them, unicorns and... and...
"You're overreacting." Fiera lipped up Ali's hair playfully before sinking down to her knees, leaving the human girl standing to wander around if she pleased. Ali hesitated for a moment, watching Fiera fall into an almost exhausted slumber before looking around to find that Rhaine had collapsed and was now in Tyden and Lilaini's care, and that Mare Imbri was on the ground too. She frowned at the site, but retained from moving any closer. She was pretty tired also and yearned for a good nap or rest. But not quite yet before she got a good look at Kalidore.
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Post by Admin on Dec 20, 2008 13:18:50 GMT -5
Lilaini was wafting smelling salts underneath of Rhaine’s nose, trying to revive the young woman. Slowly, her friend’s eyes flickered open and she regained some level of consciousness. Stroking the curls locks out of her face, Lilaini removed the salts and returned them to her pouch. “You had us worried there,” She said to Rhaine. A smile crossed her face knowing now that her friend was truly ok, simply exhausted. Looking up to their friend beside her, she became alarmed with the look on Tyden’s face. ”Tyden…Tyden… by Kal loosen your grip, she’s ok, give her room to breathe.” The Guardian placed her hands on his arms reassuringly, but forcefully none the less, trying to get through to him.
Once Gypsy was certain the three humans were tending to themselves well enough she moved, slowly over to her fallen sister. “Imbri….are you alright?” The bronze mare nuzzled the black mare who was laying, exhausted and panting on the ground. Her mind was still racing from the events that had just unfolded and her thoughts lingered on the gate. The size of the portal had been nothing like she had ever seen, and her eyes flitted between the black mare and the 3 humans, as she slowly began suspecting what it might all mean.
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Post by Delicious on Dec 21, 2008 3:22:59 GMT -5
Pasiphae lifted her muzzle into the wind - trying to scent any hints of the rest of the herd. The air was damp and green, and she could smell the loam in the chill air - but nothing warm or animal. She let her head droop before giving it a shake - trying to push off the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm thought of anything else. "Just a bit farther now." She murmured aloud, hoping that the man slumped low on her back might take some comfort from it, even if given the circumstances it was nothing more than a bold faced lie. She longed to lie down and have a good roll - or at least a long nap - but the sack of human on her back ruined all hope of such things - so instead she talked. "Mmm. You know - if I end up with ... what are those things called again ... saddle sores? 'Course no saddle ... so, man sores ... well, ANY sores. Whatever. If I end up with any of those ... we're going to have to talk." ‘Phae gave a low chuckle in the back of her throat, amused at the irony of it all. "Talk. Heh. Wonder how you'll take THAT." she continued to laugh, low and tired, as she finally gathered enough energy to set out across the grey green moor. The ground was springy and easy to walk on - and she offered up internal thanks for the small boon. The mist curling in pretty wisps around her hooves as she walked - it's chill at first feeling pleasant against her heated skin - but soon turned clammy, and made her sneeze. "Ugh. You know ... if we don't find someone soon, maybe I'll just go find a ditch somewhere to keel over in ..." Suddenly the air in front of her crackled with energy - the smell of ozone lancing through her nostrils - and Pasiphae narrowly restrained herself from startling, mindful of her unconscious passenger. In moments, a gate bloomed large and full before her, its mottled glass-like surface depicting what looked like the flowered fields of Kalidore. Phae released a longing sigh - a breath she hadn't been aware of holding - at the sight. "Ohhh ... you are one lucky beast, wretch - I think we might just make it through - Seems like somebody is looking for us after all." Pasiphae tensed momentarily and stepped forward - shivering at the tickle of magic as she passed through. .~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~. Spirit knew that the sun should fall warm on her skin, but in her mind all was cold and brittle. The sounds of joy that rang through the valley felt muted in her ears - and a sharp pang of guilt flexed deep in the pit of her stomach. Lana, feeling the dark emotions reverberate across her link with the mare, leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her neck, holding her tight. 'We'll find her - don't worry. If you could find me ... not even knowing who or where I was ... we can surely find 'Phae.' Lana whispered across the link, her eyes squeezed shut as she willed herself and Spirit to believe her own words. .~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~.,.~*'*~. Pasiphae quelled the urge to buck and frisk like a yearling in the fragrant fields - still mindful of her barely breathing burden - but couldn't help the slight spring in her step as she trotted through the grasses, looking for the rest of the herd that she was sure must be there."You're more trouble that you're worth - aren't you?" she snarked at the man on her back, although her tone was laced with amusement. Her attitude soon shifted however, as after several minutes she saw no signs of the others. Surely this was Kalidore ... she could swear she recognized the mountains that surrounded the valley, and the flowers and trees looked familiar ... and yet no one came to greet them. Finally, as butterflies began to multiply in her chest, she opened her mind wide and cast as loud as far as she could across the fields. ''Lo? Is anyone there?! We need help. Help, please!' she flung out, her mental tone stiff and rather shrill. Moments passed, and as she began to fear for the worst ... she saw movement at the edge of the clearing, as a strong and stately silvered dun stallion raised his head from grazing to regard her. ((Well, that took me long enough, haha. Also - I need a color for Odin. ))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Dec 21, 2008 16:52:52 GMT -5
((I believe I was using silver for Odin? not that it really stands out...? And you said Liam would be falling off shortly, methinks? Would probably make the healing/awakening bit much easier at any rate, so I'll go with it - pardon my nudging Phae a little in the process! ))The Stallion's eyes were the endless blue-grey of the sky, calm and cloudless. Despite the Phae's frenzy - or perhaps, because of it - his demeanor did not change as he strode measuredly down the slope towards them, a host of yellow and white butterflies dispersing in his wake. "Greetings, young Phae. It seems you have found yourself something..." Relief flooded the bay mare at his words and she nearly bolted forward in urgency to meet him. She locked her knees just in time, but not before the shift of momentum sent her rider sliding, falling to the ground with a dull thud. A groan escaped Liam's lips, and that was both encouraging and alarming - encouraging, because it meant he was still currently alive, and alarming because apparently it seemed her lot in life was to inflict injury on the man unintended. Odin said nothing as he leaned down to consider the unmoving form, his warm breath spilling over him and smoothing away the lines of contortion in Liam's face. He brought his horn against the man's chest, his eyes closed; the air around them seemed to slow, sound draining away until there was nothing but the rhythm of breath and the slow, measured beat of life... Liam's eyes fluttered. Consciousness came back to him in a haze, like fog rolled thick over the moors. He became aware of his body first, and that it hurt, but not as badly as half a memory told him it probably should. His hand moved to his face, phyiscially trying to brush away the clouds, and a voice said, "You had a fall, but will be well now, good sir." A fall? nay, a fight? bits of consciousness flickered but refused to piece themselves together in anyway that made sense. Images danced across his mind's eye, and through the ether he made out hooves and flung manes, eyes that flashed true cerulean and a spangled, spiraling horn resting on the creature's head. Liam swallowed, trying to clear the gravelly sensation from his throat and worked on opening his eyes, if only to make those crazy images go away. Whoever was there, he reasoned, perhaps they would have a better idea of what had happened. Better then him, at least. Light first, and it was bright -- too bright, he shut them, but refused to give in. So he opened them slowly, and the light of the seamless sky eased away as to figures formed in his field of view. Long faces, crowned with dark hair. Horses, he realized dimly. Odd. He closed his eyes once again before opening them all the way. "You will be feeling better shortly," the silver one spoke, his mane falling between his ears and along the length of his brilliant horn. His horn. "It has been an ordeal for you, but know you are safe, and among friends. You are most welcomed here. Welcome... to Kalidore." * * * As Lilaini brought the salts under her nose, conscious fought to return, the struggle played out upon on her clean features. Tyden was barely aware of the hand on his arm until she squeezed. He looked up, blankly, but nodded with concession at her words. “ Amarhaine,” he whispered softly, “come back to us…” Awareness returned in a rush. Images flashed before her eyes until she forced them open, revealing only darkness until her sight returned. She gasped, words coming in a garbled flood. “The Gate—” she managed jarringly, “the gate opened—” “Yes, it opened,” Lilaini cooed, “it was wonderful – magnificent!” “They followed—” she choked. “Coming through—” “Everyone made it through,” she assured. "You should have seen it!" “Opened,” Rhaine struggled, trying to pull that tangle of awareness into fluency, “Everywhere….” “Rest,” Tyden told her simply, but the word had weight to it, and she felt it sink into the churning well of consciousness and soothe it away. Her breathing became regular and for the first time she became aware of her surrounds, Kalidore, her home, and the faces of the people around her, the unicorns and their companions dancing in the green beyond. “We’re home,” she sighed, and the world fell quiet again. *I have good news* Odin’s voice suddenly brushed against Tyden, and his mind was pulled to a scene on the Skyland slopes – Phae and Liam, both alive and well. Odin’s gentle contentment at the fact seeped into him, and he felt his own heart slow, adrenalin ebbing and leaving thick exhaustion, but elation as well. “Phae is with Odin,” he heard himself say, awareness sweet and intoxicating, “We’re all okay…” At Gypsy’s query Imbri opened her eyes, but it was a moment before she stirred, feeling Kalidore’s warmth seep into from the ground, bathing her, making her whole again. She pulled herself upright, but didn’t quite try to rise. “Winded, is all,” she said plainly. “I suppose I am not as young as I once was,” a sad chuckle pursed her lips. “I will be better momentarily.” Her gaze drifted to the companions in the grass, her eyes lighting on Rhaine, now resting comfortably, safely delivered into her friends’ loving care. All’s well, she sighed, all’s well…
(((ANNND... just the epilogue to go. So if anyone has any last things to add - do so now!))
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Post by angelofmusic on Dec 21, 2008 17:48:19 GMT -5
Trinity looked around her surroundings for a moment, taking in the land. The last she knew, she had been caught in rain, found a grove of trees and squeezed through to find shelter from the rain. She soon noticed a herd of horses further down a slope.
"A pasture...I guess I landed in a pasture on someone's farm," she said and would stand from where she had been sitting.
She started along till she would look at one of the 'horses' noticing something. A glimmer of light bounced of...a horn? That horse had a horn. Her eyes widened a little as she stood in awe of what she saw before her. Rubbing her eyes, then letting her hands rest over her eyes a moment, she just stood there.
"Dreamin'...I...I must be dreamin'. Tha's it. I'm dreamin'. I hit me head when I came through the grove back there and hit me head on something," she muttered to herself.
She kept telling herself to wake up, yet she felt awake already. She knew she wasn't going insane, far from it. After moments of standing there with her hands over her eyes, she removed her hands from in front of her face and opened her eyes, once more looking at the unicorns that were there, grazing away.
"Unicorns...they...they're real..." she whispered.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Dec 21, 2008 20:37:23 GMT -5
EPILOGUE ~
Laughter danced through the garden, bright and flittering like a bird on wing. Muse's eyess were soft as she watched them, the three young people who were sprawled on the green, and a particularly lively golden-dun Korè who pranced gamely between them. Rhaine was propped upon a nest of cushions, and already the colour was returning to her cheeks, the tired look leaving her eyes as she watched her friend’s antics. Tyden was seated on one side, Lilaini on the other, and currently Xanthe had just tumbled down in front of them, enacting her harrowing adventure against the soldiers with much dramatic embellishment. Muse had to laugh, gently, and sighed, turning to the dark mare beside her to nibble the other with much affection. “I thank you for returning both my daughters to me,” she smiled warmly.
Imbri’s eyes had never left the scene, and she seemed very distant, her mind far, far away. It was a moment before she knew the golden mare had spoken, and when she did, drew her consciousness back into herself with a heavy sigh. The world around her rang with the merriment of youth, and she felt her age, wearily. “Twas the least I could do,” she conferred plainly. “My duty to you, and to Kalidore.”
“A bit more then that, I’d say!” the other laughed gaily, giving the dark mare a sound shouldering as she chuckled. “Goodness, that Gate! I’d never imagined –”
“Rhaine’s doing,” Imbri shrugged. “The Gates were waiting to listen; they just needed to hear the call.”
Muse sobered, observing her sister with reserve. Mare Imbrium refused to meet her gaze, eye forward and fixed. She conceded, for the moment, tossing her sleek silver mane to the side as she considered her words. “Having the Gates open again certainly makes for some getting used to. I don’t believe there are many here who recall what that was like. And the visitors – why Gypsy said she found three more again this morning – all wandered in! More companions… more bonding… who would ever have thought….?”
The earth-green eyes of the dark mare had never changed focus. They rested on the scene in the garden, drawn there and transfixed, haunted with the ghosts of ages past, songs once whispered, dreams spun and then broken asunder. The brightness of the morning, warmth of the clean fall air, all these were lost to her; time and sprawled out endlessly as one long ribbon of twilight, hung between a moon that did not set and sun that would not rise. She shuddered, heavily, breaking her gaze and turning to the other with distant eyes. “It is time I took leave of you,” she said. Muse had followed that gaze where it led, and returned to the dark mare as she spoke. “Sister,” she began softly, “why don’t you—” but she caught the mare’s sharp look and caught her words, and sighed. All she said then was, “Must you?”
Imbri nodded, tossed her head with assertions and broke from her side. She turned to face the wind, tasting it with her nostrils, hearing it sing as it whirled around her spiraled horn. “This place is too rich for me,” she shrugged.
The other watched in silent bemusement. “A unicorn cannot live off wind and stars alone,” she sighed. “Perhaps you will come visit us for the Harvest Ball… who knows, you could possibly even enjoy yourself,” Muse quipped without much conviction. She glanced back to the garden, her eyes brushing gently upon the girl. “And no goodbyes?”
“Merriment is best reserved for those who are merry,” the black mare chuckled softly, already slipping like a shadow between the trees. “And what use are goodbyes? Time is endless, I follow time. Neither of us says goodbye." She shook her dark mane and was off off at a canter, disappearing into the woods beyond the temple like stars at dawn. Soon even the sound of hoof falls fell away entirely.
Muse watched until long after then mare was gone. Then laughter from the garden made her turn, and when she did she had to smile. With that the golden mare pushed away her somber feelings and went prancing down to meet them, her heart full and brimming with the warmth of her family and friends....
THE END
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