|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Jul 24, 2008 11:19:03 GMT -5
Imbri sensed the Gaurdain's distress, and Lilaini's attempt to conceal it. She cast Rhaine a questioning look, and felt her reply touch her mind. She nodded briskly, and stepped up to gather the rest of the mares around her. "Stay close, everyone, we have a bit of traveling to do!" The unicorns' eyes were bright and they were eager to go. Imbri trotted around the outside of the group, pulling the stragglers in. She gave Llamrei an encouraging nudge to get moving, and sent a gentle query to Pasiphae and Fiera to make sure they were content with the robust Xanthe in their midst. "Stay close to Gypsy," she told the twins as she passed along side. Gypsy would be bringing up the rear, and she herself would join Sierra leading the band. Earth was familiar to the ebony mare, but it was such a new experience for the rest of the party she was worried they would not realize the gravity of the situation. "Will we see people?" a familiar golden head peered at her from between the mares. "I expect we will," she replied. Xanthe considered this a moment, then asked, "Will they see us?" Mare Imbrium cocked her head thoughtfully at the Kore. "Well, it depends. Some people might, so we must do our best to stay out of sight. But most people wouldn't realizes what a unicorn is if it came over and put its head in their lap. Many people see only what they expect to see, and would simply mistake us for a horse." "A HORSE?!" Xanthe's nostrils flared at the thought. How could someone mistake a unicorn for anything but it really was? Shaking her head, she dashed back to Pasiphae and Fiera's side, her brain turning somersaults over the possibilities. Imbri chuckled to herself at the Kore's reaction, and finally pulled herself alongside Sierra - who was so eager to go and tired of waiting she was practically dancing in place. "Are you ready?" she grinned. "Lead on!" Rhaine sighed inwardly with relief as the band started moving. Imbri brushed against her mind again, asking if she wanted to ride, but the young woman insisted the walk would do her good. Her head still felt full of tiny fireworks, and she could see Lilaini was probably feeling the same. She closed her eyes for a moment and tried to summon the magic, but those flecks and fireworks refused to cooperate. She returned Lilaini's look gravely. "I can't call it either... I'm still too... scattered. That Gate took more out of us then I expected..." Tyden looked between the two with dismay. "Then I suppose summoning one to get us back home is out of the question." He could practically feel Lilaini's eyes burning into the back of his head, and made a point not to turn around. "I guess it's lucky I ended up here with you two."
|
|
Ember
New Member
Posts: 22
|
Post by Ember on Jul 24, 2008 19:59:22 GMT -5
Meadow Song returned the friendly bump, her sunny mood returning as the shock of the travel wore off. She nodded thoughtfully as Llamrei brought up a good conversation point. "At first I think it will be different, after all Gypsy's companion has been with her longer. I don't mind if my companion is like any other unicorn's companion, so long as they are a good person at heart." Meadow Song looked around her, noticing that they were preparing to start out on the search. "Looks like we'll be moving out. I'll miss the trees and grass here. It looks pretty barren out there," She told Llamrei, looking out across the sandy desert. Aquila hopped a little, nodding vigorously. "Yes I did! I can't wait. My sis didn't want to come though. She would much rather watch her sunsets...." The look of bewilderment always made her mother laugh when she saw it. "Aaaanyways, I don't just hope to find a companion, I will find one! Just watch, Gypsy!" One could tell she was very proud of herself already.
|
|
|
Post by angelofmusic on Jul 25, 2008 5:12:05 GMT -5
(alright, hopping in here. If I do anything out of place, please tell me so I may know for future posts^^) Meanwhile, in another part of the world, in another time...Trinity had been wandering the woods for days now after having left her home village. She had come to one other village and had stayed the night there, though come the morning light, she was off once more. Her food had been restocked when she came to a small village or farm. Now traveling the hills, her long red hair loose and blowing softly in the breeze, she had taken out her tin whistle and begun to play. Her cloak was about her shoulders, protecting her from the light rain that had begun to fall, thankful it was only a light rain. Soon she came once more to the woods, the rain having gotten heavier. She dashed along the path, looking for anything that could serve as a shelter to wait out the rain. Down, down it came, soaking the cloak and soon beginning to soak her as the maid ran, looking for shelter till suddenly...there! A cave was spotted! Dashing for the cave she ran inside, noting that it was large enough and deep enough that she would have it as a shelter. "Saints be praised," she said softly as she sat on the floor and pulled the hood down. She looked around, the cave was a good nine feet high, ten feet wide, and twelve feet deep(from entrance to back wall). "Guess this'll do for now." She huddled against the back, listening to the rain as it fell. She knew she couldn't make a fire as any sticks or twigs were soaked, so she would have to rub her arms to keep herself warm. Closing her eyes a little, she soon fell asleep to the sound of the rain, letting one of her many dreams take over her mind and carry her away for the time being... * * *
|
|
|
Post by silentmoon on Jul 25, 2008 10:12:35 GMT -5
((Eek! I've got some major catching up to do!)) Fiera gave a brisk toss of her mane, a reply that she understood Imbri's request and that it would be fun looking after the Kore. What ever Xanthe wanted that is. Pawing the the earth, studying the surroundings was something that she was unlikely to do. A bit of laughter rumbled out of Fiera's throat. "A horse? That'd be interesting, yes indeed! But for some of us, I believe we're much more... godly in appearance so to say." She shook her mane, then letting her eyes awknoledge Imbri's dark starfield coat compared to her own, vibrant chestnut color. A big difference if one never saw a unicorn before. "What would you think?" She was asking Pashiphae with interest. Even if all seemed well to Fiera, there was one mare who seemed tense... She must have felt or sensed something in the mists of their herd. She gave a warm look towards Sierra Rose and the guardians, hoping for the best in what ever that the flea bitten mare needed to find.
|
|
|
Post by Delicious on Jul 25, 2008 22:06:55 GMT -5
Pasiphaë nods slightly at Gypsy's query - trying to be subtle so as not to give any indication to Xanthe that there was anything going on above her head. She remembered well, her gangly awkward years as a yearling - all bumble and knees - and how she had hated being treated as "too young" by the adults. Now, finally grown, it was a personal point of honor that she went out of her way to treat the Kore as more than just a "silly yearling". (Inwardl she hoped it had to do more with what was fair and good than the fact that she always felt more at ease with the younger ones than most of the adults - aside from Spirit, of course.) Suddenly - she snapped to out of her internal monologue with the realization that Fiera was looking towards her expectantly... "Oh, hrm? What was that, something about horses...? Are we off to meet some or something?" she asked, trying to tack on a winsome smile towards the end. "Sorry about that - got distracted. Must be still a bit shaken from the jump." Looking around she noticed that Gypsy had left, and that the rest of the group was stretching out as they gathered together to follow Sierra. Fairly desperate for a distraction, so that Fiera didn't chalk up her as an addlepated fluffhead, Pasiphaë nuzzled Xanthe before nodding her head towards the movements of the others. "It looks like we're off - hrm? Guess we'd better get a move on if we don't want to be left behind with this scrub..." she huffed at the prickled bushes before taking a couple of steps towards the others - but turned her head towards Xanthe - wanting to be sure she was following before she set out in earnest. "So, sweetling - did Gypsy tell you where we were going?" ((I'll add in a post for Spirit later - gotta run and I'm taking WAY too long. I obviously need to work on this brevity thing too... haha))
|
|
|
Post by Rhaevin on Jul 25, 2008 22:38:10 GMT -5
(ooc: sincere apologies for the delay!)
One of Sierra's ears flickered in confusion and worry at Lilaini's comment - she knew the way? The mare couldn't have explained what the "way" was, other then feeling a pull as if someone had looped an invivisble lariat around her neck and was steadily applying pressure, so that by hook or by crook, she knew there was no escaping the draw to her Companion. Wasn't this what she wanted anyway? Now it seemed foreign, and scary... the world was so different, so vast, so ... dead? The desert didn't seem like a very "happy" place, and she could only wonder what was instore for her.
As Imbri pulled along side her though the mare found she wasn't rooted to the spot, that the ground beneath her feet was not quicksand, and indeed she could move. She was so startled as she took her first few steps that she ended up frisking forward, bounding a bit like a foal finally discovering the use of it's legs and leaping with joy. The more she moved, the more Sierra felt an urgency to pick up the pace; her hooves moved from the gentle gait of a walk, to a steady jog.
No communication had been made by the mare, at least not that was audible by either human ears or Kore minds; the whole demeanor of the flea bitten mare was of focus, total focus.
------
Meanwhile......
------
It had been a lousey idea to leave the safety of the house and it's air conditioned interior, the summer was setting out to make record highs every day for the season it was, however being confined for any length of time gave Raven a severe case of cabin fever. Besides, there was alot of desert out there, it's not like anyone was going to jump out from behind a sage brush and mug her. Anyway it wasn't like she had a purse with her.
She'd been walking for a goodly while, which was odd, normally Raven favored meandering here and there, finding perhaps something interesting to study, but her path had oddly been altered and she couldn't have explained why. There was simply no ryhme or reason behind why she needed to go /that/ way suddenly, there was no scientific reasoning, nothing, about the only thing she could have blamed it on was ... fate.
It was hot out though, and the sun's reflection upon the sands sent heat waves dancing in her vision, creating mirage's, or optical illussions. The wind lifted slightly, carrying some of the famed dirt so fine it was more like powder, into her vision; so much for the sheer dusky-rose scarf she had wrapped around her face to protect her eyes and mouth from the stinging sand. Not for the first time did she wipe tears from her eyes ... had her beloved Sierra Rose not passed away some time ago she'd be out riding her Arabian across the desert sands instead of hoofing it in her old riding boots.
|
|
|
Post by angelofmusic on Jul 26, 2008 16:12:56 GMT -5
~Meanwhile in the cave~
Trinity had come awake after hours to see that it was dark, the storm having passed while she slept. The stars were out now in the sky as was the moon, not yet full. Deciding to move on, she would gather her things and once more walk along the path. It was dark, yet she could make out the path well enough, so she stayed upon it, pausing only so often if she heard something.
Once more hours passed and she soon needed to rest again. Hearing water, she followed it till she found a creek. She knew she could find food in the morning by means of berries and if there were fish in the water, she could catch some. Settling at the base of a tall tree, she would keep to being hidden behind it where there were bushes to hide her from sight. Using her satchel as a pillow, her cloak as a blanket, she would settle and sleep once more.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jul 27, 2008 8:05:01 GMT -5
Lilaini saw the unicorns begin to move and she was glad, Sierra Rose seemed to be getting a very strong pull from her companion which was lucky for them all. The mare picked up the pace, and began to jog ahead. Picking up her feet, Lilaini began to move gracefully through the sand ensuring to keep up with the rest of the herd. Rhaine tried to summon the magic with as little success as she had, and she met with the same results. "Yes, we seemed to have underestimated the amount of drain that would result from opening such a large Gate." She replied to Rhaine's comment. "I wonder how long it will take for us to re-coop our energy? This isn't something I think either of us had anticipated." Her toes sank beneath the hot sand as she walked, she heard Tyden talking again and she tried to ignore him to not avail. Clenching her jaw she swung her head around towards him, more in annoyance that his comments were on some level correct, but they infuriated none the less. Her eyes were aflame, and through clenched teeth she venomously said, "Rhaine and I are completely capable of handling this situation on our own. The Daiga trusts us, and she knows how capable we are. This is just a minor set back, you know as well as we do that there are naturally occurring portals throughout Earth if we need one. " She paused in an attempt to keep her voice at the whispered tone it was currently at. "But we won't need one, our abilities will regenerate themselves by the time Sierra Rose finds her companion. We don't need magic right now anyways!" Her voice rose slightly as she finished this sentence and she imagined using magic to open a hole in front of Tyden in the sand, allowing him to fall into it so great was her annoyance with him. Unfortunately, she didn't even have enough magic for that and all she could do to satisfy her urge was stick her leg out in front of him as they continued to walk hoping to trip him up and have him fall flat on his race in the sand. She didn't turn to look at Rhaine as any of this occurred, she knew her friend would not approve. She felt Gypsy brush up against her mind, trying to comfort her but she blocked most of it, preferring to remain in her more foul mood. Why did Tyden need to always act as if he doubted her? There was a reason she had been chosen, there had to have been. So The Daiga couldn't be wrong, there was a reason she was now a Guardian to be. Becoming lost deep in thought, she continued to quickly move through the arid climate following behind the herd of unicorns. Gypsy paused as the foals spoke, seeing Imbri approaching. The mare spoke to the foals, but the comment was more a statement of approval at Gypsy's choice of traveling companions. Nodding her head slightly she watched as the black mare moved towards the front of the group to walk with Sierra Rose as she lead them towards her companion. Turning her full attention back to the three foals near her she waited until the rest of the herd began to move and then she too picked up her feet and fell in line at the end. This gave her a good viewpoint of where everyone was and she could keep an eye from here. Aquila's exuberance amused the copper coloured mare and she snorted to show this amusement. "Well, then I must say I do hope you find what you feel you are looking for. I hope you will too feel the pull our friend Sierra is feeling". Turning to look behind her she noticed the twins were lagging behind slightly and she turned, giving them a bump with her muzzle. "Stay up here with us," she said. "I'll stay at the very back, you all stay slightly in front of her, we can still talk from there we do not want to be left behind." A feeling of angry flashed through the mares mind, but it was not her own. Raising her head slightly to see better, she searched amoung the herd for her companion. She found her in between Rhaine and Tyden and the mare knew all too well what had caused the feeling that was so strong it had invaded the mare's mind. She felt her companion took Tyden too seriously, but then in comparison to Gypsy Lilaini and Rhaine were still really quite young. Reaching out to Lilaini she offered some comfort and support, but neither the human seemed to want so she would leave her be until she was calmer. The copper mare lowered her head and again, turned her attention to the three Kore. All the while, she kept on watch though, looking around them and trying to ensure she was alert and ready for anything that might occur.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Jul 27, 2008 16:19:32 GMT -5
Imbri matched her pace beside Sierra, and the ground flew away beneath them in measured strides. From time to time she would toss her head up, to glance back at the rest of the band and make sure that everyone was together and still moving. They were spread out across the sun-bleached sands like a flock of birds, the light gleaming on their polished backs and setting their horns aglow. She had to chuckle inwardly here, remembering Xanthe's comment. Mistaken for horses indeed! But humans were a strange bunch; as the ages passed it seemed to the ebony mare that bonds which had once joined all the universe together during the Golden Age had worn the most thin on Earth. Even now she had strain to hear the Old Songs, whispered ever so faintly on the breeze. A new thought struck her, and she chased it down quickly. It was silly! But.... but what if so much time had passed, that all humans had forgotten unicorns? Was it possible that Sierra's Companion might not even recognize her? What if she didn't want to see her? Didn't want to believe? She cast a glance at the fleabitten mare, her eyes clear and fixed on some unknown point the dark mare couldn't see. What then of all the other unicorns, seeking their companions on this quest? There was so much at stake, and she had a feeling that most of them thought this was going to be easy. She sensed some unrest from Rhaine, and reeled her mind in to question the issue. Ah, so that was it - Lilaini and Tyden were at it again. She shook her head. Rarely, if ever, were things easy. Even on Kalidore. She returned her gaze forward, seeking what the grey mare sought, and prayed to Kala that she would not be disappointed... Encouraged by Pasiphae's nuzzle, Xanthe eased into a lively jog between the two mares. They didn't seem to mind her company, and she was glad for that. "I wonder if all companions are like that - a magnet, pulling you in!" she whickered eagerly, caught up in the excite. The look of resolute determination on the flea-bitten mare's face absolutely fascinated her. "I mean, do you have to follow it, like are you compelled to be that person's companion, like it's destiny? And what happens if you don't like them? Or they smell funny, or something? Do you get to choose?" She nearly stumbled in Fiera, so caught up was she in her dialogue, but regained her footing just in time. She glanced at the two adults expectantly. "Well, do you?" Tyden gracefully avoided Liliani's leg, but had to half-hop over a suspiciously placed stumped he could have sworn wasn't there a moment ago. "That's not what I meant," he winced, looking to Rhaine for support. "Tell her that's not what I meant!" Rhaine shrugged. "Well then, what did you mean?" "I meant that, I meant - I'm here, I could help you! You're not the only people on Kalidore with some kind of magical ability, you know." "And how much of it do you have left after forcing that Gate open?" Tyden was silent. They walked that way for sometime. The mares kept a good pace, and it was just within the human's ability to keep with it. Lilaini kept a stride ahead, never looking back, her cloak wrapped around her to protect her from blowing sand. Rhaine had done the same, though her long red robe proved to be an unfortunate choice of attire for the cracked and pitted terrain before them, and in one hand gathered the hem to her knees while clasping her satchel of spells with the other. "Let me help," he said at last. "You're limping," she told him. "It's just a pull," he brushed it aside. "Then let me look at it." He began to protest, but caught the seriousness of her brown eyes, and slowly nodded. Rhaine let the satchel slump to the ground as she turned to face him. She didn't look at him as her hand hovered briefly over his person and she closed her eyes in concentration. Very, very faintly, there was a tingling in the air. "Your rib, it's broken," she said at last. " Xanthe is a little heavy," he shrugged. "I'm not sure if I can fix it," she frowned. Gingerly she rested her fingers over the rib, noting the strained look on his face when she did and pulled away instantly, but he caught her hand. "You can," he said simply, "try." She met his gaze, and the look was of complete trust; for all his hot air, Tyden never doubted her, either of them. She nodded slowly and spread out her fingers to cover the area. They tingled as before, and stronger this time. The sound of dancing hooves fell away entirely. A pinch in Rhaine's mind drew her back to earth with a touch of disorientation, momentarily unaware of how much time had actually passed. She glanced ahead to where Lilaini was waiting, possibly fuming, some distance away, and turned back to Tyden with a flush. "Better?" she asked hastily as she reached for her satchel again. He grabbed it before she did and swung it over his shoulder with an ease of movement that wasn't there before. "Never a doubt," he grinned. "Say we catch up before she comes back here and makes us hurry." No argument there, and they took off after the herd.
|
|
|
Post by Rhaevin on Jul 27, 2008 22:10:50 GMT -5
Raven continued to trudge through poof-dirt and sand alike, careful of the local plant life that was desceptive -- it looked inviting and green, but like most things in the desert it was sharp and pointy, and a majority of the sharp and pointy things were poisonus, regardless of being animal or vegitable. The desert sage, in it's grey-green colors, were oddly in bloom ... pale violet flowers made the desolate landscape a bit more inviting, and as the dark haired maid crested the next dune she stumbled in her tracks. Surely what she saw laid out before her was an optical illusion brought on by excessive heat and dehydration, but from a distance she swore she had found a herd of Mustangs. Only... why were they headed her way? And why did it appear there were .... humans? Humans with wild horses? And foals?! Foals this late in the season? Well, no foals were not uncommon to be late bloomers like some of the cacti around her. And the horse up front...
Green eyes narrowed as Raven struggled to close the distance and see better the lead horse, but the heat shimmered off the pale coat, and in truth there was a flash of light from the front of the horse, something reflective... Wait, they all seemed to have it. Surely she had just been out in the sun to long, she must be dreaming, what she saw heading her way wasn't real, her mind was playing games.
And with those thoughts so tangled in her mind she forgot where she was putting her feet, tripped over one boot, and landed upon hands and knees in the shifting sand staring incredulous, like a fish out of water, at the odd sight before her.
---------
Sierra could feel she was getting closer and tossed her head in a near mirror of Mare Imbri, but it was not to check on the herd behind her, infact the single-minded mare had nearly forgotten she was traveling with a rather large group of Kore of various ages and stages. All that mattered now, was that pull, and finding it.
Hearing Xanthe's comment for a heart beat she wondered some of those very things; what if her companion didn't know her? What if she couldn't even see her? Nonsence! She would have not been summoned to answer the call, to be brought here, only to be ignored by her Choosen! ** I know you're out there **, the mare thought, her mind's touch gentle, tenative. Would her Companion already hear her? Would she, or he, feel the gentle brush of her mind's voice? What would happen when she did find her? So many questions she had not thought to ask, instead just leaping blindly into the adventure. So it was the same attitude she adopted to brush her worries aside and realize it would not matter, she would merely discover the truth of it when it happened.
"We're close!" she whispered in an excited tone, her nostrils quivering as she checked the smells upon the wind, delicate ears swiveling this way and that as if trying to pick up some radio signal half way around the world! There... on the horizon, a figure, shrouded against the land, face partially hidden behind shere fabric so all one could make out were eyes so green they appeared as emeralds. Black hair blew in the gentle breeze as the figure toppled forward to hands and knees, the raven hair glinting red in the light, and broken only by a single streak of white. Her clothing seemed suited for the terrain; worn blue pants of some odd material, with sections seeming thin and worn, her shirt seemed a nice compliment to the item covering her face being white stitched with red, and shod in boots of black with red.
But that wasn't the most amazing thing about the odd figure ahead. It was the fact that for Sierra everything inside her told her that was who she was looking for. And like the human, who'd fallen to her knees, though she didn't trip (how ungraceful that would have been!) she did plant her feet and slide/jerk to a halt so that sand sprayed about her hooves in all directions as she skidded to an abrupt halt.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Jul 28, 2008 17:02:41 GMT -5
Mare Imbrium snorted in surprise, a sound rather unbecoming of a unicorn, but so abrupt was the grey mare's halt that she had bounded a couple strides ahead before she realized Sierra wasn't there. Twisting her neck around she saw the unicorns behind her part like the waves of a great sea, flowing past Sierra, a grey stone in their current, as graceful and lithe as deer through the first dawn. The mare spun on her hooves with her ebony hair swirling, retracing her steps towards the other's side. The others had flanked out across the crest of the dune and turned in same, heads high, ears pricked forward, watching. She moved to speak, but the look on Sierra's face made it clear she wouldn't have heard her anyway. Every part of her being was directed to what was waiting just across the field of sage, and now Imbri's eyes spied the small figure on the ground before them. Her Companion. Around them the world seemed to still and slow so that even the heartbeat of a moth was audible, perceivable. Motes of pure essence danced and shimmered in the air. The world seemed to hold its breath in a suspended moment of anticipation...
|
|
|
Post by Rhaevin on Jul 31, 2008 23:02:58 GMT -5
The sea of beautiful bodies were lost to Raven, though had she noticed she might have realized this herd was rather odd indeed, but that didn't matter to her; all that mattered was the grey mare. It was as if the mare herself had read her mind, or sensed her thoughts, for she too had frozen in place so that a second mare, as black as her own hair, had wheeled back to check on her. They were beautiful side by side for a second, light and dark as they were, and it made the paler horse stand out all the more.
Carefully the girl found her footing and stood once more. Somehow she knew if she approached this mystery horse, or whatever it was, it would not flee her touch.
--------
As the girl got to her feet Sierra's own legs seemed to remember they had a will to move, and a mission to accomplish. She was so close now, how could she fail and cease the journey she came to complete? There was a flash of black, and Sierra knew for a moment Mare Imbrium was there again, only if she could have found her voice she would have asked her pardon if she could hold that thought for a moment... she had something more pressing to attend to. A little rude as it was, she said nothing, and had only eyes for the black haired human.
---------
Unicorn and human crossed the distance to one another, a compromise to come half way, and neither stopped when they neared the other. Raven was struck speachless by the fact that the creature before her, in all her dazzling beauty, was a near copy of the equine companion she had not long ago lost. And for Sierra it was odd to suddenly feel this flood of emotions, of joy and grief, awe, a dash of sorrow, and even more hope. For never before had the Unicorn had a Companion, nor realized what it entailed, and she now felt herself overwhelmed with Raven's every sensaton as the two gazed into each others eyes.
At the same time Raven was suddenly so overjoyed, and then sad, and then soothed and quieted, like someone had draped a giant mental blanket around her, a balm to cool and heal her wounds, and somehow she realized it was coming from this ... this ...
Raven gasped softly, a delicate hand reaching up to revertly touch Sierra's face as one word was shared by both, one in a tone of question and wonderment, and the other in reassurance; ** Unicorn. **
And it was in that moment, that blissfuly magical moment, that Companion found Companion, a piece that had been missing from each other finally found, their souls completed though never realizing what they were missing till they felt the call to one another. Tears filled Raven's eyes as she reached out to embrace the delicate mare, and Sierra returned the gesture, nuzzling the tears from her human's cheek before stepping in close to lay her head over the girl's shoulder and tuck back her chin -- a hug of sorts. Locked together the world seemed frozen to the two of them and each now knew a peace they had never experienced before in their lives, be they however so short or long.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 2, 2008 20:20:47 GMT -5
So mesmerized by this scene was Mare Imbrium that she didn't noticed Rhaine until the girl threw her arms around the black mare's neck in a moment of joyful abandonment. "She found her! Look, Imbri -- look how happy they are!" "Yes," Mare Imbrium felt her voice grow thick in her throat. "How they are..." Rhaine sighed deeply, and perhaps her hand on the dark unicorn was as much for emotional support as it was physical. She pressed her face against the sleek neck and closed her eyes, feeling the radiance wash over her. "We should go meet them," she whispered dutifully, pushing herself through the mild disorientation. She straightened, turning to Lilaini and said, "Let's go welcome our newest member... I think we might have some explaining to do as well. Though... perhaps the others should wait here until we've done that, as this might be... a little overwhelming." "You think?" Tyden grinned good-naturedly. "You girls go, I'll keep them here." With a nod to Imbri and Gypsy, the women and unicorns crossed the windswept dunes. The pair were completely unaware of their approach until they were nearly upon them, and Imbri's gentle voice in her head cause Sierra to turn in greeting. The mare's warm brown eyes were bright and full, just as they had been the day she'd introduced them to her newborn Kore, Namid. The dark-haired woman had noticed them at this point too, and her eyes were equally wide and bright, though the expression was far more inclusive. "Salutations," Rhaine smiled warmly. "I am Rhaine, and this is Mare Imbrium. Forgive us for coming upon you so suddenly. This must all be quite a surprise, but my friends and I have been looking for you; Sierra Rose knew exactly where to find you." At the mention of that name, the woman seemed to shiver inside, her eyes drawn back to the majestic creature before. "I am Lilaini," the second woman spoke, "and this is my companion Gypsy. Trust that you are among friends, and this will all make sense in time," she glanced at the bronze unicorn beside her and it looked to Raven that they were communicating without spoken words. "I hope it is not too improper to ask if we might accompany you somewhere to rest? The band has been traveling all morning and the Korë are be tired; I'm sure you have lots you want to ask us, too, and I think it would be best to do that in a place of comfort." "My home," Raven heard herself speaking, but her voice sounded very distant from herself. "It's just over those hills. Please come, all of you. You may rest there." Beyond the dunes she saw the rest of the band began a gentle decent towards them, urged on by another unspoken command. Rhaine's gentle touch on her shoulder made her turn. "Sierra can carry you there if you like. You look like you've had quite the day already," she smiled warmly. "I'm so glad we've met you!"
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 3, 2008 12:23:55 GMT -5
Chapter Three ~
The cool of evening began to creep over the land as the sun slipped towards the mountains to the east. Slowly, the desert began to come to life. The creatures that were silent at midday grew restless as the afternoon drew on, and as evening approached they couldn't contain themselves any longer and burst into activity and song. The long golden rays of light seemed to make the whole desert glow with inner fire, hiding the day's harshness. The light found a small adobe-style bungalow surrounded by a few small corrals, hard packed and barren, the wear of time showing through the weathered boards and bleached brick. It might have been a lonely place, so isolated and tucked out of the way, but the light brought it to life and and made it bloom as if it were part of the living desert. And now, the sun-baked pastures around it were not empty, either - the sound of hooves danced across the field like an echo of the booming times past, the gentle whicker of mare to foal permeated the stillness with old lullabies, and the sleek silhouettes of those majestic creatures broke the gentle swell of the land like glorious statues of heroes past.
Except, to one who looked closely, gave it more then an absent stare, they would see that these were not horses... they seemed a thing out of fables, out of place in these surrounding yet at the same time one felt they should have always been there. They were also not penned and wandered freely around the place, explore the perimeter of the buildings, often coming to push their heads inside an open window or door.
To three of the four people inside the house, none of this phased them in the least (in fact, one of the youngsters, a particularly precocious golden dun filly, had wandered inside and set about to examine all the cupboards, taste the decorative indian corn that graced a small sideboard, before sprawling out on the living room rug to nap a while). The first three had taken all this in stride, and urged by their host, made themselves as comfortable as the could. One, the woman called Rhaine, had spread the kitchen table full of scrolls sprawled with strange markings and was peering through them in earnest. The second, Lilaini, had made some tea and seemed to be doing her best to make their host comfortable, or as comfortable as could be under the circumstances. The man, Tyden, had paced a little around the room before announcing he was going outside to check the mares. Their host, Raven, the only one who seemed slightly out of place with the odd group around her - and the irony of this was not lost on her, for this was her home! - was taking it all in quite gracefully, though hadn't said much since their meeting earlier that day.
Outside, the mares milled about restlessly, graciously accepting the bit of hay their host had to offer (though it truth, they found it rather dry and coarse, very unlike anything they had eaten, and more could be heard to mumble something quietly about "earthen food" with grave reviews). As the stars began to prick the sky the band relaxed; they were the same stars that gazed down on them from Kalidore, and there was familiarity in that, and comfort. They stars gave them strength and courage, and soon the weariness of the day fell away and the were eager for whatever adventure lay ahead...
((everyone jump back in!))
|
|
|
Post by silentmoon on Aug 3, 2008 13:53:20 GMT -5
Fiera watched the bonding between Raven and Sierra. A touch of envy skimmed her heart, and it made her wonder if she'd find that special companion like these two had. She felt as if her heart was welding up, growing ever so heavier as each second, minute, ticked by... No matter! Fiera wasn't known to give up, it was certainly NOT the end. She would search for this special someone to her hearts content. But for now, the desert around her was undeniably harsh. It really made her yearn to be back where all was lush, green, and breezy Kalidore. Unlike this dumb heat and not to mention this so called food. It was horrible, though she hid her disgust with a impassive face. Looking over and down to Xanthe... woah, wait a minute. Where did the Kore go now? She gave bewildered gasp, her head darting around before spotting Xanthe inside their hostess' house's window. She sighed by Pasiphae's side. The night was upon them, the stars were beautiful. Fiera was happy but inside, her hope was rejuvinated and certainly she would be up for their next adventure!
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 4, 2008 12:44:33 GMT -5
Tyden felt the breeze on his face and closed his eyes, memories of distant times skirting just beyond consciousness. It had been ages since he'd been to earth, and that was when he was younger and still an avid student beneath the Daiga's careful guidance. He was not sure how the years had flown so quickly, or how it had come to pass that he hadn't traveled this way again; maybe it was something about being with Odin. It wouldn't surprise him if the manners of his companion had rubbed off on him over the years. For stallions, unlike mares, tended to stay in one place, watching over their piece of the world tenderly and resolutely; it could be said, the stallions were bonded to the earth in the same way companion meets companion. The *could* travel afar, but why would they want to? Everything they needed was right here... A wistfulness brushed against him suddenly, but it was gone before he could source it out. He could feel Odin's presence in the back of his mind, like a gentle consciousness, there if he needed him even at so great a distance. There was nothing he should feel wistful about, nothing he was wanting or was in need of. He shook his head briskly and summed it up to too much time spent with the stallion and feeling homesick for Kalidore. He looked out across the twilight at the band spread leisurely through the fields, some already sleeping, others trying to graze on the scarce turf, and several moving restlessly among the herd, obviously wanting to keep moving and frustrated by the delay. Mares, by nature, seem much more driven to adventure, at least more so then the stallions he knew. He admired them, and always enjoyed their company, even if he did have moment of feeling hopelessly out numbered by the opposite sex. He continued out to the paddock. "How are they?" he asked Mare Imbrium as he arrived. "Well enough," she replied curtly. He'd known the black mare long enough to know better then to try and push something when it was obvious she didn't want to share. Her first priority was the band, and they were fine, so whatever was bothering her seemed of more a personal nature. Probably it was just the situation at hand, the helplessness of being stranded her and not knowing what lay ahead; it was not a situation a lead mare liked to find herself in, but if there was anyone who could handle it, it was Mare Imbrium. He did give her a wide breadth just the same, and carried onto the others. He was glad to see that Llamrei looked much better (she seemed to have come through the portal rather hard) and did a quick foal count out of habit (yep, they all seemed to be there, including the one asleep on the living room rug). The twins were wide awake and he couldn't help get the feeling they were up to some kind of mischief or another. "I hope you two are minding yourselves," he did his best to address them seriously, but couldn't help the grin that pulled at his lips. Truth is, he always enjoyed a bit of chaos thrown into the mix, because it kept people on their toes. Nothing worse then getting too complacent, after all. He ruffled the hair behind their ears as he went by, a spot as equally delicious to unicorns as it was to their equine cousins. He came upon Fiera, resting beside Pasiphae and Spirit, shifting her weight from foot to foot as if she couldn't find a comfortable position. He frowned slightly, and hoped she hadn't picked up a stone or something on their trek. He heard her sigh and wondered if perhaps she was feeling the pull of a companion too. "You okay?" he asked gently, resting a hand on the brilliant orange hide as if to offer some support. "It sure has been one hell of day," he remarked.
|
|
|
Post by nightpaw on Aug 4, 2008 19:10:22 GMT -5
((boy do i need to catch up ha ha mind been everywhere))
Llamrei would watch the bonding and would look on with great curiosity. Shrugging it off for now she would watch Fiera a bit before she would find a spot to stare up at the stars. Strange new world but the same beauty of stars that dazzled her. Mumbling a little about how it seemed that this world shared the same beauty of the sky like theirs. Although she had a tiny itch to wander off and explore but she planted herself down to star watch and maybe rest a bit.
|
|
|
Post by silentmoon on Aug 5, 2008 10:25:21 GMT -5
Fiera's stared deeply into the stars. The twinkled with a delicate gleam in the dark, black velvet sky. Her attention was pulled away to Tyden, who laid a hand on her side. At first, she shied away a few steps, surprised though came back under his hand again. She gave a gentle whicker and gazed at the him with a impassive gaze. "I don't know. I feel restles, though I doubt the presence or pull of my companion... yet." Fiera's voice was gentle, upon hearing Tyden's remark, she shook her head. Forelock fell over her eye, it looked like liquid silver though, blazing red and orange. "Apparently, more than you know. The heat is very much unbearable." Fiera's voice trailed off before she added solemly. "I hope this wouldn't be to long. I feel something amiss here... I miss home." She gave a sly smiled.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 5, 2008 22:44:10 GMT -5
"I think we're all a little homesick," Tyden agreed, brushing the forelock gently out of Fiera's eyes. "As exciting a place as the universe is, there's nothing quite that compares to Kalidore. Though.... " his voice trailed off, and he seemed to entirely forget the mare was there, his consciousness drawn far, far away. He shrugged independently, drawing himself back. "Maybe that explains the restlessness," he began again, "the being homesick part, that is. Or maybe you do sense your companion... that's why we're here, so why not? You know... I don't remember what that was like, I was so young when Odin first took me under his wing; he's just... always been there. But if it's anything like what Sierra felt..." he turned to the mare again, wanting to impart some kind of encouragement, or at least assurance, but seemed unable to find the words. After all, hadn't he come out into the night seeking those very same things? This uncertainty was unlike him, and that was bothersome; he now understood why Imbri was looking so alert. Furthermore, he felt embarrassed that he could not be of more use to anyone. What then, was he good for? Across the yard hooves clattered on stones as Xanthe woke from her nap and bounded outside to see the others, bored with the unexciting grown-up talk happening inside. She immediately went seeking Pasiphae and Fiera, but came up sharply when she saw Tyden standing. Reminded of her earlier blunders she backtracked hastily (she'd been doing a really good job of staying out of his sight, expecting a well-deserved scolding over the matter which she'd somehow managed to evade). Instead she came upon the rest of the mares and Sierra, and here her attention was once more perked. Tail flicking with excitement, she assessed the situation. After all, she really wanted to know what it would be like to have a companion, and she wondered if Sierra would tell her if she asked. Of course, being only a Kore, she highly doubted anyone in the group would take her seriously, so for the moment she decided to hide behind the stacked bushels of cut straw and listen in on the mares' conversations...
|
|
|
Post by angelofmusic on Aug 6, 2008 11:17:19 GMT -5
~Meanwhile in Ireland in another time~Trinity had still been asleep behind the bushes, near the tree she had found. Her satchel close, her cloak covering her, she easily was concealed from sight...so she thought. Down the road came a small band of thieves, small as in five members, though they were part of a larger band. Stopping near the stream to let their horses rest and get some water, one of them started to look around. "O'er 'ere lads! I found somethin'!" one called to the others. The other four gathered round what he had found, the sleeping for of Trinity. Each one smirked at the other, before the one that had found her went back to his horse and gathered some rope. Walking back towards Trinity, he would look to the others. "She looks of age, she'll mak'e a nice bonnie gift fer the boss," he said. Quickly, three of them set upon Trinity, waking her from her sleep. Not one to go quietly, or easily, she fought, kicking out and punching at anyone near enough. Grabbing her satchel, she flung the strap over neck and shoulder, fighting her way from the five that were intent on taking her away as a gift. Grabbing a branch large enough, she swung it like a club, cursing them in gaelic and laughing, hoping perhaps they would think her crazy. The thieves backed off well enough it gave her a chance to run, but instead of by foot, she ran towards one of the horses and flung herself into the saddle, grabbing the reins and kicked, gently, the horse's sides. The horse, a chestnut stallion, reared and took off from the spot, Trinity holding tight to the reins. The thieves would follow, but Trinity was far enough ahead, the horse at a full gallop, being able to run faster with Trinity's lighter weight. The chase was on. (sorry had to add a little something ]
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Aug 6, 2008 20:29:20 GMT -5
Lilaini moved next to Rhaine and glanced over her friend's shoulder at the scrolls she had spread out across the table. Rhaine was looking through the scrolls and appeared to be deep in thought so Lilaini didn't say anything, and allowed her friend to continue her meditation. Picking up the tea, she wandered over to their host Raven and offered her some. "We really do appreciate you letting us stay for the evening. The travel has been very tiring." She smiled encouragingly at the young woman, remembering how it had felt for her in a similar situation so many years ago. It had been so many years since she had set foot on earth. Looking the young woman up and down she admired the interesting clothing she was wearing. In her younger days, when she still resided on earth, Lilaini had been from a well off family and she had had many of the finest material things at her disposal. Unconsciously, she looked down at her weather worn dress and pulled at a few of the small tatters that were currently in it.. "I really like your outfit...", she began, looking back up at Raven and then called to Rhaine over her shoulder, "Don't you like her outfit too? It's been so many year since we've seen new clothes....." She paused again, and then continued without waiting for her fellow Guardian to respond. "Do you have more clothes here? Would you allow me to look through it? I'd love to see what types of things people are wearing these days. Rhaine and I must look terribly outdated....." Her voice trailed off again as she smiled, but fingered at the holes in her dress. Gypsy had stayed near the back of the herd as they had continued their journey towards Raven's home. The bronze coloured mare had kept a keen eye on the herd pulled up near Meadowsong and Aquila. Watching as several of their company wandering into Raven's house, she kept her gazed fixed there momentarily and then dropped her head to investigate the forage that was available. She nibbled at a few stalks of grass and then glanced up at the unicorns near her. "What do you think of this place?" She asked them softly.
|
|
|
Post by silentmoon on Aug 6, 2008 21:28:23 GMT -5
"Agreed." Fiera said lightly. Her weight shifted again, this time onto her side. "Interesting. I can't decipher the feelings that I'll have when I meet my companion. Will I know what to expect? Will I know how to feel, speak, react? These... thoughts have been in my mind all day, slowly invading to the front." She gave a low uneasy whicker, as if it would be the best to deal with this little problem. Her eyes looked around to the glory. It was peaceful, everyone seemed to be resting. But Fiera couldn't, not now. Maybe Tyden was right, she thought. She might be sensing a companion. Though where? "I have an idea. Come, we will find out why I am not at rest. You maybe right." Fiera's voice was strong, as sudden as her idea was, so was the burning confidence in her voice. She backed away from the group quietly, then said "Well, it would be I if you do not wish to come." A faint note of amusement tinted her voice. ---------------- Meanwhile, a girl in her mid teens slumped towards the floor of her room. It was messy, clothing and books scattered around. She was exhausted and a bit irritable too. Today was horrible. Not only did she fail on her test, her classmates teased her. It wasn't uncommon, but every time it got worst. It was humiliating. She knew that she day dreamed to much, dreamed about mythical creatures. It wasn't her fault for having her head in the clouds so much. Everyone seemed to be asleep, since it was late at night. She wanted to escape this world of reality tonight, when the stars were scattered so vastly across the skies. Slipping out the bedroom window, the girl ran through the forest then into a clearing where the moon shone brightly. Tired, Silent slumped to the ground, this was her sanctuary, her heaven. This was her secret world that no one could find. She let her thoughts wander around. There were no limits here.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 6, 2008 22:21:07 GMT -5
Rhaine's eyes flew across the mess of scrolls ceaselessly and without reward; maybe it was because she was so tired that none of it seemed to be making sense. She heard Lilaini talking to Raven, or was it her? Actually, she wasn't paying attention to anything else so forced herself to listen half-heartedly out of guilt. The dull headache she'd had most of the day was making it difficult for her to focus on the instructions Muse has had imparted on her when the journey began. Now, so far away, she was hesitant to call upon the golden mare for help, lest it spoke poorly of the young Guardian's ability to handle her duty. Clothes? Lilaini was talking about.... clothing? Somehow, in the broken phrases she'd picked up on this made even less sense then spell scrolls to her battered brain. In fact, the more she thought about, the more she couldn't figure out what Lilaini could possibly mean by "outfit" and "outdate" strung together in the same sentence like that, for surely the dress she was wearing was as in style now as it had been 300 years ago when it was made. Those kind of things were just classics... like spell scrolls... and Gaurdians of Kalidore being able to manipulate the Gates at will... With a tired sigh she tuned out and returned to the mess before he... " Fiera," Tyden said as seriously as he could, as if he were supposed to be a responsible member of the entourage, looking out for the herd and making sure that none strayed from the safety of the group. But he must have failed miserly because the dark amber mare kept going, that hint of amusement in her voice baiting his claim. He slipped through the others and to her side, having to jog slightly to match her pace. "I will state, that I think going off to seek your companion by yourself is a foolhardy and reckless thing to go and do. But I admire that in person," he grinned. Hidden behind the straw bales, Xanthe noticed an unexpected departure at the other end of the yard. Ears swiveling like satellite dishes she turned from the mares she was watching and back again. Oh, to be in two places at once! Why did everything interesting have to happen at the same time? She was waiting to hear what Seirra would say, but she just had to know where Feira was going..... !! She pawed the dirt with frustration a few times before making up her mind...
|
|
|
Post by silentmoon on Aug 7, 2008 11:08:09 GMT -5
"Thanks. Though I wouldn't say reckless, though it might aswell be. I just hope that no one will notice to much that we have disapeared. It would cause even more trouble if one of the Kore's decides to follow." Fiera's mind scanned through all the different youngsters that came along, though her mind imidietly jumped to Xanthe. From what Fiera reviewed over their latest adventure, Xanthe was almost found where trouble was. But it didn't deeply displease her to have the Kore come along. Just for fun. The corner of her eye twinkled, maybe from the stars or something else, it wasn't to be sure. The idea, Fiera decide, was to be kept to herself and not shared. The ground beneath Fiera's feet was cool, possibly warm from the days heat now fading into the cool night. For horses, their hooves seemed to clatter. For a unicorn such as herself, she barely made a sound. She wasnt so sure about Tyden though... "What will we tell the others of our absense if we do not find my companion in time?" --------- Silent hummed a tune, low enough to let her escape into her realm of thoughts. She stared up into the skies with a longing to leave the harsh reality of Earth behind. There was no proof that other worlds or even galaxies existed. There was just Earth where there was no such thing as dragons, wave riders, faeries or even unicorns... Unicorns, she thought. A shiver went down her spine, causing her to faulter on the thought. Silent had read so many books about them, that sometimes, they just seemed real as any other animal of Earth.
|
|
|
Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 8, 2008 0:10:43 GMT -5
"With any luck, we won't have to tell them anything," Tyden responded to Fiera's fears. "We'll be off and back before morning, and maybe no one will notice we're gone." He glanced back at the house, looking so warm and cozy against the thin night air. Perfectly confident that he could handle whatever challenges lay ahead, he was also sure he could explain the events to Rhaine quite reasonably, and that Lilaini would most likely be unreasonable no matter what he said. But the woman were busy, and Fiera was driven; after all, wasn't this quest about collecting the companions as quickly as they could? And that is what he was helping to do. He feet crunched the soft earth as he kept pace beside. "Now, have you a sense of where you companion might be? What direction, and how far? Depending, we might need to find ourselves a Gate, and that might be the real challenge for the night..."
|
|