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Post by jadecorrine on Jan 6, 2009 22:51:33 GMT -5
Alcyone scanned the festival, wondering to whom she should introduce her new companion... if indeed that's who this anxious little human was. It was the only explanation for their mind link. Alcyone's presence seemed to have soothed Cheri some, but she was still biting her lip and fiddling with her finger rings. Alcyone supposed she could introduce her to the Guardians. She looked across the fire and saw Lilaini dancing with Tyden. Well, she could introduce them, but it looked like Lilaini might not remember the encounter in the morning. Rhaine looked distracted by a strange man she’d never seen before. Maybe her sire would like to meet Cheri… but no, Arieon was leading the song. Besides, it was never a good idea to bother him when he was trying to impress a mare. As she pondered, a lovely dun kore wandered their direction. She was older than the other kors that frolicked around the bonfire, but not quite a mare. Alcyone knew Xanthe only by reputation. She’d heard tales of her impetuosity, so her polite introduction surprised the mare and her lip quirked in approval. She nudged Cheri closer toward Xanthe to let her know she was okay. *** “Oh! Um, hi, Xanthe.” Cheri stammered. She put on her best smile for the filly, even though she was shaking inside. From the way Alcyone had pushed her forward, she knew there was no hiding behind her new friend. Frikkin anxiety. She’d been working hard to improve, though, which is why she could face the newcomer with something approaching welcome on her face. “Um, nice to meet you. My name’s Cheri. Yeah, i haven’t been here long, but it’s… it’s really nice here. I like it.” She gazed over the party, knowing it was true. Her home wasn’t bad at all, but there was really nothing holding her there, either. And there were Unicorns here. And they could dance! It was one of the most beautiful spectacles she’d ever seen. She couldn’t help shaking her head. “It’s all so much to take in. I mean, i’ve never seen a horse dance before…” Suddenly she remembered who she was talking to. “I mean, that is, not that you’re horses, by any means, i totally didn’t mean that. It’s just that your bodies are like horses, except that you’re completely not and i so didn’t mean to offend you guys… i just… i meant…” Crap.
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Post by angelofmusic on Jan 8, 2009 12:54:33 GMT -5
((Hoo boy...caught up best I could))
Trinity had come to listen to the song, though with the commotion she had taken to watching. She was silent as she watched, though soon turned her attention back to those who were dancing and singing. She let the tune carry her away, taking in the words. She felt lost in them till she felt a soft nudge to her arm. She looked to see Aurellie grinning softly.
"You seem rather in tune with the song child. I'm sure you're a wonderful dancer as well," the mare said and whickered softly.
"Dancer? I 'ave na danced for a long time. B'sides, I normally wound up dancin' alone," Trinity said and shrugged softly.
"Alone? well that's no good," Aurellie said and would shake her head, mane tossing slightly.
Trinity chuckled at this and would think of those times at festivals she did wind up dancing alone. Shaking her head, she would reach for her tin whistle, which was kept close to her. Having caught the beat of the tune that was being sung, she would begin to play the melody on the tin whistle.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 9, 2009 2:59:06 GMT -5
Xanthe had a curious feeling in her head. It started like a small buzz, gentle even, and grew in volume and intensity until it there was a whole swarm of bees harrowing around inside. On the outside, she merely regarded Alcyone platonically, and attend to Cheri with polite grace. "Horses?" She even stared graciously as Cheri stammered apologies, working her back molars every so slightly. When the girl was done, she took a deep breath... and let out before she began. "Well yes. I can see were you might have some confusion on that matter; at times I myself can mistake a human for heron. It's... the long legs that always get me." She pondered the notion a moment longer, wondering if she needed to embellish it for believability, shrugged mentally and then continued. "Where you went wrong though, is simply this - horses don't dance. So... next time you see the dancing... you know it's going to be a unicorn." Her treatise complete she smiled brightly, hoping the girl had warmed to the notion, please as punch her temper hadn't got the better of her and impressed she had pulled the whole thing together with such guile and tact. Plus, she'd just educated a human. And that was really a terrific feeling. She couldn't wait to tell Rhaine about it! She glanced over her shoulder to see what had become of the Guardian before she remembered she was with... that person. The bees had started buzzing again... * * * Liam was finally able to straighten, taking a last long breath of sweet night air. He grinned at Rhaine, finding what was left of his reservation had dwindled to mere afterthought, the ghost of some previous worry that in this light seemed insignificant. “M’lady,” he began, “truly then, if there is some enchantment to this place, you must be in part accountable of it, for I surely have never danced as I have this night.” “’Tis Kalidore!” she said blithely with a small shake of head, “It awakens you!” The music lulled briefly as Arieon change songs and began with something new, a lively ditty about A Koré-Went-A-Wandering. The unicorns picked up their tempo, relishing the bright rhythm, and Rhaine sighed deeply as she felt their happiness flow through the gathering. Her body had begun to sway with the others, and she looked to her partner to see if we would like to dance again. Liam still looked rather flushed, and her brows knitted slightly, hoping that the event had not been too much on his recovering health. “I’m sorry – I should have asked, did you want some more wine? while we catch our breath? Pardon my manners for not offering sooner…” she touched his arm gently, her head inclined in repentance. “Nay, you are not to serve me,” Liam rebuffed, hastily bringing himself to full baring. “It would be most improper for the Lady to be fetching drinks! My manners are the ones in question, for not seeing to the Lady first.” “Aye, but you’re my guest.” “And I am in your service; it is what comes naturally to men of my station in the presence of a woman in yours.” He took the hand she placed and held it softly, touching his forehead to it with a small bow. “Please, allow me to fulfill what my duty is expected.” “Very well,” she proffered a wry smile, “but I will go with you; that you won’t have a say in the matter. Besides… do you even know where to find the wine?” The Lady had a point, and Liam conceded with giddy appreciation. He offered her his arm regardless, and they made there way through the dancing beasts with grace. The last of the wine had been stashed in the crook of large broad-leafed tree. The trunk was nearly twice the thickness of a unicorn’s length, and a knot of branches made a convenient nest from which Rhaine pulled forth two final bottles. “Have to keep it here,” she explained, “else Epione would have drunk them all by now, given half a chance; she does have a certain failing for the brew…. I guess this should do us?” “Plenty,” Liam took the bottles from her. He tried to read the vintage on the bottle but it proved futile in the casting light, and by the time he turned Rhaine had already retrieved the goblets and the screw. He uncorked the bottle expertly from years of honing, and cleanly filled the glasses. “Cheers, M’lady,” he brought the cups to touch. “To Kaliore… to all this isle has offered, and all that has been awakened...” “Cheers,” Rhaine toasted gaily, and scarlet wine glinted black in moonlight. “Ah, now that is good,” he marked approvingly after a rather generous swallow. “Very fine – and even better, after it has had a chance to breath. I would be pleased to make acquaintances with your brew master one day.” “ Tyden gets them,” she shrugged. “There are no breweries on Kalidore.” She saw his expression falter, and rushed to assure him, “but we do trade outside our boundaries for supplies. If there is ever something you’d be needing – it can be fetched for you; Tyden is ever so good at finding them. And, look here… we have more then enough here to fill our glasses,” she appeased. He couldn’t bare to have her upset on his behalf, and chided his own shortcomings for being the cause. “Nay,” he replied quickly, “more then enough; and certainly, I have all that I could want right here.” As Arieon’s voice died down again, a new sound touched their ears, a sweet, lively trill wafted towards them on the breeze. The melody caught Liam’s ears and harkened, turning to find the source. “I know that one,” he mused. “My mother used to sing it to me when I was a boy.” “ Trinity,” Rhaine said after a moment’s questing, her eyes falling on the maiden and golden unicorn, standing to the edge of the gathering a short distance away. “She arrived here just recently too. I didn’t know she played…. and it’s quite lovely. Will you sing it for me?” she turned back to Liam with appeal. “I fear I don’t recall all the words,” he fumbled, partly at the loss of his memory and his inability to grant her what she asked for. “It has been a while, and my chorus of late has been a more… uncivilized following…” “Well then, sing something you do know,” she shrugged simply, no distress. Trinity’s whistle flowed into another familiar tune, and Liam sipped again at his wine. At last he nodded. “The Lady must have music, she who so gamely has put up with the likes of me… what guest would I be if I did not repay her in song?” and he followed the flute’s fluid verse to end, and then began –
“Her eyes, the shone like diamonds They thought she was queen of the land And her hair hung over her shoulder Tied up in a black velvet band…”
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Post by angelofmusic on Jan 9, 2009 11:48:49 GMT -5
((The Black Velvet Band! I love that song!))
Aurellie listened as the tune was played out by Trinity, her head swaying softly to the tune and soon she would move the beat of it in a dance of her own.
Trinity played on with the tune as she had indeed begun to play the song 'The Black Velvet Band', it was one of her favorites to play. As she played, she would watch Aurellie begin to dance to it, thinking of how graceful unicorns were when they danced. She looked though as she heard the words to the song, not thinking there would have been anyone else here that knew it. Her eyes spotted Liam for a moment and she continued to play, smile on her lips.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 9, 2009 20:23:08 GMT -5
Tyden was confused. He was sitting on the ground, Fohen Miri staring down at him, Lilaini prodding at him from a side. He couldn't quite put together how this had happened, or why Liliani kept pinching him, or what he was supposed to do with myriad of conflicting notions that were swimming through his head, none of which were making much sense, at least not with what his current understanding of the world upheld. His eyes had caught the dancers and held them until the image threatened to ingrain itself onto his retina if not another well-aimed jab came at him from left field. He pouted, posed as he was to wallow in the yawning depths of misfortune but instead having to turn and rub the arm where it stung instead. "Ouch.” He refocused on the more pressing issue, if simply by reason of its proximity and insistence on pinching him. He put on his most wounded look. “Really, Lilaini - harem? What do you take me for? Besides…” he propped himself into sitting properly beside her, “I think a harem would suggest a little more compliance from the mares…?”
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Post by Admin on Jan 9, 2009 20:55:56 GMT -5
The Guardian was pleased to see the attention had again turned upon her. Being from the culture and time period she was, she was used to having the attention of those around her when she wanted it and in times like these her annoyance at being ignored would occasionally break out. She ran her hand through her hair and attempted to shake the dust that was desperately clinging there out. “What do I take you for?”, she replied to Tyden’s question, restraining the giggle she felt at his put on wounded look. “I take you for a man and don’t all men deep down want a harem of their own?” She kicked her legs out in front of her and leaned back, putting her arms behind her as support. “And really, what fun is there in compliance? Trying to convince and coerce is the thrill of the chase isn’t it?”
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 9, 2009 23:03:17 GMT -5
Tyden couldn't help but notice there was very little "chase" implied by her daring, field-green eyes, or in the way the silken material of her dress pulled tightly across her chest as she leaned back. He grinned lopsidedly, welcoming the warming flush that worked to dull his other frustrations and awaken to the moment. "I believe I said that any man's a fool who thinks he can handle more then one." He leaned over, his hair falling forward with the movement so that it brushed against her face as he spoke. "And," he paused, sliding a hand around the small of her back and securing it there, firmly, "as thrilling as the chase may be... there's still something to be said about the catch." She flashed a grin, her eyes narrowing slightly at his approach. And as he leaned in, balancing her between his arms, she shifted her weight and unlocked her elbows, and down they went tumbling down into the green— *Guardians, I have news. You presences is required at once*
The hail came as a sharp and clear as a light through the dim, and even in their compromised state it was a summons that was impossible to ignore. Tyden jerked his head back from the unfamiliar intensity of it, wincing slightly as it reverberated through his brain. "Sweet Kal, did you get that," he gasped, struck by the urgency of it and already aware that Odin was making haste towards them, Gypsy a step behind. "What's it mean?" * * * The summons reached Rhaine with similar clarity, causing her to jump slightly from the seat she had taken on the edge of the table. She managed not to spill her glass, poised as it was between her fingers while she had been listening to Liam sing. He turned when she started, question written on his face, but she shook her head. "I am afraid I have been summoned." She saw the puzzled look remain on his face, and tapped her head lightly. " The Daiga calls to me. It's important, so I must go. I am terribly sorry to be leaving so early in the evening." He nodded slowly and offered his hand as she slipped down; sad as he was to see his company go, he imagined that the Daiga must be a most important person, who's mysterious summons were meant to be heeded immediately. "I will wait for your return then," he offered a smile. "Or, if not this evening, then that I might see you again soon." "I'm sure you will," she laughed. "Kalidore is not such a huge place. In the meantime, I do insist you keep singing. And Trinity can surely play - let the merriment carry forth, and by all means enjoy the wine." There was movement as Falling Star pressed through the crowd towards them, and came to stand beside the Guardian, bobbing his head curtly to her guest in greeting. "A lift, my dear, seeing as Muse has left you here tonight?" the spotted stallion bumped her gently with his nose. "As unmannerly as our abrupt retreat might be, I fear it is something best done with haste." Rhaine nodded seriously, and grabbed a handful of his amber and straw coloured mane, hoisting herself expertly onto his back before Liam had a chance to offer his assistance. The stallion turned gracefully in place, his tail sweeping the table top without so much as upsetting a honey bun. He tossed his head, calling out over the crowd,
"Good night to you all, ye children of Kal, And dance long beneath her blooming moon, And sing songs high unto Kaedon's sky, Until we shall be together again soon!
[/center]
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Post by geob on Jan 10, 2009 0:08:25 GMT -5
Thinking to continue the dance Foehn Miri stepped away from the distracted couple, but couldn't stifle a giggle at the strange mating rituals of these humans'. She had not moved far, however, when her attention was caught by Tyden's jerk of surprise and question. A quick look showed her the rapid approach of Odin and Gypsy. Her heart did a fast double beat at the approach of her heart throb, but no matter how much she might wish otherwise she knew he wasn't coming for her. While she continued to back off she did not go far. Not only was she curious of what the excitement was about, she could not bring herself to miss the opportunity to be near Him. Ahh, the young one is back, Luminista noted, taking a playful nip at a black ear on her way to nuzzle the same ear and give the kore a bit of a scratch on the withers. A certain level of contentment settled into her as Acheflow came to her. Looking over her shoulder she checked to see what Foehn Miri was up to and caught sight of the rush of movement gathering in on her friend. With a questioning sound she pivoted slightly to more easily watch the happenings nudging Acheflow in the process.
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Post by Admin on Jan 10, 2009 9:52:25 GMT -5
Arieon had enjoyed being able to take a break from singing as others took over. He continued to dance with the bay mare, and enjoyed where things were going. Looking up at her he was about to speak when the summons broke through into his mind. His mouth clamped such as he was shocked at the intensity with which it was sent. Jerking his head up his hooves ceased to move any longer and she scanned the crowd for his brothers. Catching sight of them he turned and regretfully informed the mare he had to leave. “I am so sorry,” be began. “But a summons has just come through that I am obligated not to ignore. I must go but I certainly hope to see you again soon, I thank you for having this dance with me.” Lifting up his left front leg he bowed low to the mare and then dashed off in the direction of his brother’s and the Guardian’s, his long pale tail flowing out behind him. He quickly reached his nearest brother which was Falling Star just as Rhaine clambered onto his back. Slackening his pace to match his brother’s he looked at him with a hint of worry in his eye. “What does all this mean brother? Let us make haste”. Lilaini reached for her temples instinctively when the summons came crashing through her muttled thoughts. The hail was so strong it hurt her head given the state she was in but once she was recovered she was more concerned then anything. Looking up at Tyden, she had a confused expression on her face. “I don’t know….” She began, her voice trailing off as she saw Gypsy and Odin approaching, and then a short distance behind them was Falling Star, Arieon, and Rhaine. Realizing that Tyden was still basically laying on top of her she gave him a look of urgency and then a slight push. “Come on, we must be going.” She quickly got to her feet, much of the effects of the drink seemed to have worn off by the suddenness with which the summons had hit her. Grabbing her gown she shook it attempting to get some of the grass and dirt off it before presenting herself to the Daiga. At this point Gypsy pulled up beside her and the young woman wound her fingers into the mare’s mane and with a slight amount of effort, swung herself onto the mares back.
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Post by varuna on Jan 10, 2009 16:19:08 GMT -5
You are far too serious-looking, dear Bryn. The star-mottled mare's large blue eyes were turned onto the girl with a huff of breath that fluttered the wispy strands of white-blonde hair of her companion's head. Such seriousness is not condusive for a gathering of merriment and kinship, it is folly. They will not treat you as your own have in the past, this I promise to you again. Believe me, my Brynja. The mare nodded as they reached the edge of the forest and the opening of the plains. The festivities were easily heard from their vantage point, easily watched at a safe distance without being watched themselves.
Her nerves had left her palms sweaty, though the fur and layers meant for cold weather climate were not helping in the least. Mis-matched eyes darted to the clearing before returning to Thora. "They are dressed so finely, Thora. I cannot help but feel buttflies. I am wearing but armor; men have bled upon it. This... this is not finery meant for a gathering." She explained to the mare in a hushed tone, feeling not only nervous but slightly discouraged.
The mare simply watched her, with silent knowledge. A knowledge that it would pass soon and that Bryn would adapt and find her footing, after a little time. "True, my dear. You have fought battles." She gave her companion only enough to spark a thought to lead to the solution.
Bryn's eyes had moved away from the gathering, as she heard the mare's words and allowed them to seep into her for further thought. Looking out over the scape, they hit home and Bryn's bi-colored eyes flicked back to the gathering, then to Thora. Platinum brows lifted and her lips parted, and slowly she nodded. "Yes. Yes, I have."
Thora's eyes twinkled in motherly triumph as she watched Bryn spin away on her heel and march back further into the forest.
Upon Bryn's return, it seemed to the mare that she had shed all her armor. Now, she wore only a thin linen sheath covered loosely by a silk one, both of which were dyed a vibrant blue and held in place at the shoulders by broaches with Thor's hammer embossed on them, between the two were strings of beats, both metal and other. The loose set of her garb had the mare's head nodded, though she stepped off into the woods from where Bryn had returned, upon her own return she offered her companion a beaded cord that Bryn had left behind.
"Wrap it around your waste and pull it to close, so that it gathers te material there." Thora nodded again. "And do not forget your cloak." She added with eagerness and proud eyes.
Finally, with all said and done, Brynn stood before the mare cloaked and ready. Even, by this time, her hair had been rewoven into a single solid braid that had been slung over her shoulder. There was one object, however, that she did not leave behind, and that was her sword. It was a small precaution, really. Not like she was running in their with it blazing and ready to fight, at any rate.
The hood of her cloak was pulled down; Thora had informed her that if she planned to stay armed, she could not expect the others to accept both sword and Bryn acting shady with her hood drawn and hiding in the shadows. Bryn conceded and they set to foot their way to the gathering, side by side. Her fair colored but slightly marred hand allowed it's fingers to twine within the white mane of the mare.
They were closing the space and quickly approaching the others and the festivities, but Thora paused. Those who she had thought to introduce Bryn to were leaving, together. With a unicorn brow-furrow, she followed thier movements. "No matter, come dear one."
That statement, alone, was enough to make Bryn want to flee for the second time in her life. But strapping down that instinct, she continued on with the mare at her side, into the fray of entertainment.
( ::wipes brow,:: )
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Post by angelofmusic on Jan 12, 2009 5:21:16 GMT -5
Trinity continued to play as she heard the voice having joined to sing with it. Though as she no longer heard the voice, she would pause for a moment to look, noting what was going on. She would not ask, she didn't want to ask of anything she didn't have to. Instead, she moved towards the table and look at the wine for a moment. She was not quite old enough to have wine yet, but who was really to stop her. She wouldn't have that much, half a glass if anything. She reached for a glass and would sip from it softly, looking around to those who remained.
((Short, but brain needs sleep XD))
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Post by shazzadee86 on Jan 12, 2009 6:52:43 GMT -5
Upon arrival, Kinoren had thrown herself into the midst of the dancing unicorns, entirely enjoying herself while still trying to coax Halcyone to join her. Halcyone was stubbornly refusing, more inclined to watch what was happening around them. Of the two of them, it was Hal who noticed the Guardians begin to leave, Kin only noticed when Falling Star called out, much too caught up in the dance to notice anything more subtle. Her attention now on the leaving Guardians and unicorns, Kinoren came and stood with Halcyone, who briefly looked at her before turning her gaze back to the departing group.
'What do you think they're doing? Do you think something could be wrong?' Kin nudged Hal's shoulder as she asked this.
'Wrong? This is Kalidore, it couldn't be anything serious.' However, Hal's tone wasn't as confident as her statement. The sudden departure confused her, this was a night of celebration, and she couldn't think of anything that would make them leave like that. 'I'm not sure what they're doing.'
'You're right of course, I'm sure if it is anything we need to worry about, they will tell us all they know. In the meantime... More dancing! This time I will not allow you to be a wallflower!' Pushing and shoving as best she could, Kinoren managed to drag Halcyone over to where the others were dancing.
******
Aislinn had to stop dancing long before Persephone did, her stamina was not up to the unicorns, irrelevant of how much she tried. Removing herself from anywhere she could end up being underfoot, she landed on the grass in more of a sprawl than anything that resembled sitting. She was here when the Guardians left, and watched with curious eye's as the group of unicorns and humans left the festivities.
'What do you think is going on?'
'Hmm?' Persephone's reply was full of confusion, she hadn't had the vantage point that Aislinn had, but looked over when Falling Star called out. Coming out of the crowd towards her companion, Persephone stood next to Aislinn, her eyes still following the group as they left.
'I'm not sure. The Daiga is the only one I know who could call them all away like that, but I have no idea why.'
Her eyes went in a different direction, seeking Pan. After locating her still dancing with a slightly younger kor', she became more relaxed. Although she might deny it when asked, Persephone always had to check where all she cared about were when something was out of place. Now there were two she cared for deeply, her companion and her kore, with both accounted for, Persphone regained her festive mood, but she stayed with Aislinn while she caught her breath.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 12, 2009 11:28:31 GMT -5
Tyden had scrambled to his feet, following Lilaini’s example. He gave a tug to straighten his clothing as Odin came towards him, bumping him with his nose. “Come boy, there is work to be done.” “What’s happened?” his hand traced up the mute grey shoulder and hooked the withers, pulling himself astride with practiced ease. The stallion slipped through the night, away from the warmth of the fire and into the woods. Falling Star was waiting there with Rhaine, Areion a step behind and looking perplexed; as Gypsy pulled up the dawn stallion spoke, “It is unquiet in Kalidore tonight. Let us go quickly, so not to disturb the others; there is no need to unsettle them until we know the breadth in full. ” With that the small group disappeared among the trees... ((Everyone, feel free to carry on with the party as this next part plays through ~ the night is drawing to a close, but there’s still time to get in a few more post before this chapter finds its end!))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 12, 2009 17:39:13 GMT -5
Moonlight lit the pool and set it aglow, pulling her gaze deeper and deeper within its spiraling depth. But even with the conditions ideal, that wandering spark of consciousness – a shiny fleck of obsidian among pearls – kept just out of reach. She sighed, at last, and closed her eyes. Beside her Muse stood quietly, her coat like sun-and-moon entwined muted in the dim so that she was only traced in silver. She was watching the Daiga as she worked, her head tipped towards her so that her tapered horn focused on the centre of the pool; intention, magic, thought; all these were focused here, and with the moon in apex the elements were at their strongest. And yet – “No luck?” The Daiga shook her head, but she smiled yieldingly. “That which wishes to remain unseen has a great capacity for remaining that way, even from a would-be ally; I can admire the fortitude, nonetheless,” she shrugged simply, using the unicorn’s sturdy presence to draw old bones together and rise from her seat. “The others will be here shortly; let us meet them in the garden – more room, and it is comfortable there.” Muse nodded gently, keeping a slow pace beside the woman, should she need assistance. The Daiga was three thousand years old after all, but truly didn’t look a day over ninety. She still walked unassisted (though sometime did use her staff) and her head its high carriage, her face telling the story of those many years with a wrinkled creased there for each in passing. Her hair, loose around her shoulders had been once ebony, now the spun silver of new moon, and while her step had slowed in recent years, her eyes were clear and dark as jet, every bit as sharp and lively. They passed through the narrow hall that ran alongside the central courtyard. Here peeked windows broke the rock and measured intervals, making the ceiling appear to float above them; the carved lattice was grown thick with wisteria and ivy, and the skill of the elves who had formed it never failed to give Muse pause, even though she had lived in this temple almost exclusively since she had left her dam’s side. Headed one way, the hall led to the great library, where all the books of Kalidore were stored; the other wound its way past the hot springs and into the garden proper. This was their destination, and as they stepped fully into the fall night, the sound of hooves on worn cobble told of the others’ approach. “Ah, they here already,” the Diaga remarked with gentle laughter, “I suppose I am getting slow in my old age.” All but Imbri, Muse sighed inwardly, watching her brothers and sisters as they filed into a semi-circle around the old woman. But she had little time to think on that for Rhaine had slipped from the speckled stallion’s back and come to her, pressing her face against the mares’ sleek neck and she dipped her head down to nuzzle her. “Is something the matter?” Rhaine asked with concern, as much to the Diaga as to Muse. Behind her, Tyden and Lilaini had also dismounted, coming to stand beside their companions, matching her look of expectancy. “Ayi, child, you were always one to worry,” she chuckled softly, touching the young woman’s cheek with fond regard. “It was news I called you here for, and news in it self is neither good nor bad.” “It must be rather spectacular news to have called us all away from the festivities,” Arieon pronounced with complete sincerity, although a part of him may have still wished to be attending the dance. “Indeed,” she nodded swiftly. “ Ulysses has returned.” There were looks of surprise passed between the unicorns, and even Muse angled herself to regard the Daiga better. “Are you sure?” “Aye; his mind first brushed against mine two nights forth; he has been here for sometime longer.” “But… but I’ve heard nothing,” Gypsy protested. “And surely, if he were back…” “Who,” said Tyden, stepping forward to remind the unicorns that there were indeed other persons present at this gathering, “is Ulysses?” There was silence for moment, before Odin answered. “Ulysses is our brother.” “Another Son of Kaedon, come to Kalidore then,” Lilaini bemused, meeting the long faces around her in turn. Maybe it was still the effect of the wine, but surely this news shouldn’t result in the look of sadness and worry she saw in those faces? She turned back to her companion for further explanation. “That is a good thing, isn’t it? I thought all unicorns were welcomed here–” “Ulysses has nothing but our welcome,” Gyspy assured her, absently nibbling at some grass caught in the girl’s smooth hair. “Our brother is a fierce and noble soul; so much like our father, but also…” her voice trailed away, and she sighed. “What happened to him?” Rhaine asked quietly. “It was the war,” Odin said. A hush fell over the circle, and the companions looked at one another, and then to the unicorns. It was Odin who spoke again at last. “Ulysses was but a kor when the war first broke, a suckling babe at our great dam’s side. And while Kal did her best to protect him from it, war is fierce; as he grew his own daring and drive demanded that he not be left apart from it all, and as soon as he could take his own leave he was determined to join the fight. I do not need to tell you about the battle; many were lost, on all sides, but the unicorn’s toll was the heaviest of them all. Thaedor blamed us for his father’s refusal of power, and after Aeon’s death it was upon us that he sought revenge. Ulysses was caught between a universe torn asunder, and though he survived with body intact, inside that body rests a broken soul.” “He was always welcomed on Kalidore, aye, we begged him to stay, but he would have nothing of it,” Gypsy stepped forward. “He felt this was no place for him, and that he had no place among the peaceful unicorn.” “Nonsense!” Arieon scoffed. “It was his pride – too proud of his battle-scared hide he was, thus he despised us who he said were untempered—” “Peace, brother,” Muse interjected. “We were young then, those arguments have long been laid to rest…” “And maybe too, within Ulysses, if he has returned,” Gypsy said. The night was quiet again, as they stood there in a circle beneath the moon. It was Tyden who spoke first. “Perhaps… we should go and seek him.” Alight with stars, the Daiga smiled. “Aye, seek him and find him, and offer him solace. His place is here, for he needs Kalidore as much as Kalidore needs him.” “Needs him?” Areion began tersely, but a look from a brother on each side and he was silent. Muse spoke next, her voice thoughtful. “But how to seek something that wishes to remain unfound?” She recalled the Daiga’s trouble at the divining pool, and was about to speak further when Falling Star stepped forward, raising his voice for the first time. “I have been watching the stars nightly, and strange omens I have seen written there as of late. At first I gave them little credence, for stars are mischievous; the like to tell stories and embellish them, and a many far-seerer has been tricked to follow falsely at the ploy of their games. But as these events come to pass, I feel I can ignore them no longer. Ulysses is returned, and a mare is missing – her korè found wandering through the woods; the stars bind them atwain, and I fear the mesh of that thread.” “Truth, brother?” Muse looked alarmed, and Odin moved to take the floor again. “There are many things that remain unknown to us this night, but one thing is true – Ulysses is returned. And weather or not he plans to stay among us, what would we be if we did not extend to him that which Kalidore grant each and every beast who make this isle home? So seek him we will; the rest will come to pass, and fall where they lie.” “So… we’re going?” Tyden looked from the stallion to the others and back again, quiet surprise on his face that his suggestion had actually been agreed upon. “Then, when do we start – and where? Kalidore is an awfully big place.” “I dreamt of him last night among the ruins,” the Daiga told, closing her eyes to draw the vision into clarity once more. “There Kylindreal rises to the east, with Luna at his back, before him he gazes through darkness with a thousand eyes; six stars burn and fall like snow, thick black snow falling, falling to cover the ground…” She turned to face them. “You leave tomorrow. Muse and I have prepared everything you will need.” ((And... need a colour for Ulysses now... Lady E?))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 13, 2009 11:38:21 GMT -5
A rush of hooves through the long grass and they were gone. Xanthe watched them go, her eyes perplexed, nostrils flared slightly with indignation. Now Exanthia, her mother had said, very primly before leaving the field with the Daiga. You may indeed stay longer at the ball, so long as you keep yourself and mind Rhaine; and when she says it is time to come home, then there's to be not fussing. And don't eat too many honey-buns... The golden-dun Kore looked from the trees to the dancing bonfire and the prancing unicorns, and then back to the trees where the elders had disappeared, Rhaine among. "They forgot me," she sighed. "Oh horseradish." Two thoughts were at war with each other as they tumbled through her brain. The first was the indignation at being left behind. Foremost, because obviously they were off to talk about Most Important Things, and she was never privy to that kind of excitement. Second, that she was now at the ball alone, unsupervised and unescorted. She did considered herself an intelligent unicorn, quite capable of caring for her own person so really, the notion that she would require either was an aggravation; yet now that both were gone, she wasn't sure what to do with the freedom, once she had it. And truth be told, now that her friends had left, a little bit of that overt confidence was nibbled away too. Plus the notion that she could be forgotten so swiftly still irked her. A lot.She let out a heavy sigh and nibbled at an itch on her neck. Where Liam's rope had once wrapped so tightly the burn had healed, both through Rhaine's gentle touch and Lilaini's balms. The hair too had begun to grow in again remarkably fast, but she couldn't help but noticed a few white flecks that edged along the gold. She gave the spot a hurried pass and straightened up again. Well, if she was here and here alone, she was going to make the best of it, she resolved. And the first step in that required more honey buns...
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Post by geob on Jan 13, 2009 13:23:57 GMT -5
Foehn Miri gazed longingly after the retreating forms of the Guardians and their companions. Be honest, at least with yourself, she chastised, there was only one among them you really regret seeing go. Okay, well, she would miss Falling Star's and Arieon's singing, but with that whistle she had heard earlier that could be replaced. Still, she blew out a deep sigh and turned to see what Luminista was up to then wondered over to join her. "Well, hello, Beautiful," she said to Acheflow with a gentle nudge behind an ear. "Where did you come from?" Watching her friend approach, Luminista couldn't quite hold back a chuckle. She recognized that woe-begone look on Foehn Miri's face. She actually felt kinda sorry for her since Odin didn't even seem to know she existed. "Done dancing already?" she asked instead. "The music kinda got carried away for now," was the reply as Foehn Miri cast another glance over her shoulder in the direction the others had gone. "Perhaps those other two will pick things back up, but until then I may have spotted me some more fun." With that Foehn Miri gave Acheflow a playful tug on the tail then leaped aside as though in mortal fear of the repercussions. Luminista groaned at the poor puns and cast an apologetic look at Fiera. ((The "other two" being Trinity and Liam of course)) ((silly me! Slight character mix-up there, but all fixed now! ;D ))
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Post by varuna on Jan 13, 2009 15:34:37 GMT -5
The songs were sung and, while that was not an unusual aspect of celebration, in any place or culture it seemed, she was more use to chant-like songs that the whole tribe would join than a singular person singing. But that did not make the experience any less pleasant, and on the contrary; made it something exotic and beautiful, and that had her longing to know the words herself. In it’s stead, however, she opted for a soft hum only privy to her ears. Well, of course, not her ears alone… a certain motherly unicorn’s as well.
“Do you sing or dance, Thora?” The words came as Bryn and the gray mare slowly made their way around the others dancing and singing, toward refreshments.
“I do not sing, no. Though, I have been known to step gracefully a time or two.” The mare’s blue eyes on her companion, her neck stretching to the side to allow her that sight. Bryn could almost hear the smile that lit the mare’s voice.
Bryn nodded with her own smile, her rough fingers finally able to make purchase of a goblet filled with wine. Before she drank, however, it was lifted and the scent was breathed deep and enjoyed. Her eyes closing in a silent appreciation and finally she tasted.
“Do you, dear Brynja?” The smile in the mare’s eyes grew as she continued to watch her companion, her belly quivering with the start of laughter at the sight of Bryn's blatant appreciation.
“Dance and sing? Dancing, no. Well, I… I have seen it done; I could probably do a fine job at a poor mockery, if made.” She chuckled into the goblet just before she set to taking a long drink.
“And what of song?” Thora asked lightly, through her own laughter.
Platinum brows arched over mismatched eyes and landed on the mare. “Ah, well. That.” Bryn sighed softly, still clinging to her cup… as if Thora might toss her out into the center of things and demand a song. “I suppose I could hold a tune. But I am not so talented in that area as some of these fine people. Most songs I know are battle hymns, praise to the gods, or about drink and women. And all are wrote by somewhat… crude men. Not exactly fitting, here, I think.” Still, her voice was filled with good-humor while she drew the cup back to her lips.
The mare, too, found humor and offered another soft chuff of a laugh. “Well then, Bryn, will you reach over there and gather one of those honey buns for me. Actually.” She paused in her thoughtfulness. “Make that three.”
That hadn’t been exactly what Bryn had thought would come from the mare, even so with a shake of her head she still gathered the first one for offering to the gray unicorn. When it was within range of the mare’s mouth, she happily nibbled at it. Bryn found herself, after the first had been consumed, rubbing her calloused fingers together to observe the sticky substance, she tasted. “Oh. Oh, that’s good.” She sent a surprised look to Thora.
“What? You thought I would eat something that didn’t taste good?” Thora’s question hung on the air for only a second, before she nudged her companion’s shoulder. “Now, get me another.” She chuckled, too.
Again, with a shake of her head, she offered the bun to Thora. But what caught her eye was an approaching Kore, She knew that was what they called their foals… Thora had made certain to tell her some basics. Di-colored eyes swept over the kore. She smiled at her, if only because it was a young unicorn . And, truthfully, what woman could resist a young… any sort of animal, talking or otherwise?
Though the Kore was still a little ways away yet, she offered her the next honey bun meant for Thora, in hope of luring her closer. After all, she did look somewhat… down. Perhaps, just a little? Bryn mused, glancing back to Thora for a small hopeful bit of approval, which she received with a nod.
Warm smile in place on pale pink lips, she tried to make her second friend here… armed with a sticky bun.
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Post by Delicious on Jan 14, 2009 1:40:39 GMT -5
Pasiphae drowned all conscious thought in the music, letting the rhythmic percussion break over her in waves. So lost was she in the quick succession of steps as they moved, that it was a sudden shock to feel the night air on her side that had, moments before, been pressed close to the warm velveted coat of the cremello stallion. Phae's first thought was that she had somehow misstepped, and she turned towards him to apologize - but kept silent as she noticed his ears pricked and his gaze focused elsewhere. A few words and fewer moments later he was gone. Standing still and alone amidst the prancing bodies that eddied and flowed around her, the light of the bonfire seemed to dim, and the glorious music of moments before seemed shrill and tinny in her ears. Pasiphae drooped, and myriad of worries and self-flaggelations of before crushed back down around her. She cast about desperately - looking for some other way to distract herself from gloom that threatened to smother any inkling of joy in the night so far. Her gaze soon settled on the golden dun filly across the clearing, the warmth of the fire's light burnishing the gold in her coat into an almost beacon-like glow. Pasiphae's mind lit at the recognition, and found herself moving quickly towards her - hoping to rekindle a pleasant conversation with the kore and so keep her mind off darker matters. Pasiphae wasn't the only one who had eyes for Xanthe that night it seemed. Kyndrienn, having had a joyful time gamboling and prancing with his new spotted friend, was momentarily distracted by the sudden leave-taking of the stallions and the Guardians. He watched them with rapt attention as they gracefully made their exit - and was about to return to his twirling and prancing when he noticed Xanthe standing on her own. His coltish heart skipped a beat, and he found himself scrambling towards the filly - unfortunately ditching his playmate of moments before in the process (such an uncouth act that, had his mother been there to see, she would have scolded him roundly and heaped a half a dozen punishments on him at least!). His little heart aflutter, and butterflies multiplying rapidly in his stomach, Kyn bounded towards the unikore - hoping desperately to make it towards his hero's side before some other more important creature claimed her attention. He could scarcely decide what he would ask her first - what it was REALLY like to go on and adventure? Or perhaps instead if she had really escaped from over a score of soldiers after stealing all of the apples from their lunch? (The tale had grown in size and consequence as it had traveled through the mouthes of the many Kalidore kores). Or how had she managed to be so BRAVE to jump through that gate in the first place? So caught up in his potential questions that he barely paid attention to how fast he was going - and was surprised to finally find himself only a few feet away from the unikore, and still moving at a fast pace. He gasped in dismay, trying to slow his speed in a hurry, but somehow his legs got themselves all in a tangle - and before he knew it he found himself flipping, head over hoof, to land in a heap at Xanthe's feet. ((Finished for now. Will post Liam/Epione tomorrow.))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 14, 2009 20:39:48 GMT -5
Forgotten. Her. Xanthe… forgotten! The more she thought about it, the less she was finding anything really good about it. And besides, what more could she find to do here that she hadn’t done already? Dancing seemed silly to her, nor had she a signing voice to speak of, and most of the kore her age tended to think her a bit odd. The grown-ups still didn’t take her seriously, and the ones who did had seemed busy with other duties. She cast a glance longingly to the woods, wondering what business could have called them away in such hurry. She could have followed, she decided meekly, yet somehow even the thought of snooping off into the night held no real excitement in her current moody state. That, and Acosua’s ghostly tale was still tugging thoughtfully at the back of her mind… Honey buns were the only real solution, absolutely. She had begun to drift in that general direction, absentmindedly picking her way through the unicorns who were still dancing. Beside the table was another new face, the companion of dappled Thora, if she recalled; both of them had noted her approach, and the woman had raised a bun to her in greeting. Her stomach made wanting noises, or maybe it was in contemplation of the number she’d already eaten (truthfully, she was beginning to loose count). Her ears perked on principal, until she remembered why she was giving such an intentionally wide berth to the other table, the one the soldier had occupied. The last time she’d accepted treats from strangers hadn’t gone well at all. True, that person hadn’t been someone’s companion; she watched him, discreetly, stealing a side-long looks at the man as she passed. What was he doing here anyway, if he wasn’t companion to a unicorn? Surely Phae hadn’t thought to make him hers. No, that didn’t make sense… It was just, unnatural, she decided. He didn’t belong. He was freeloader, conspirator, and unbonded… Not that any unicorn would want him, she thought with a smirk. Deplorable little human being, devoid of any redeeming quality and utterly uninteresting—Still in forward momentum towards the honey buns, and fixated as she was on Liam, Xanthe didn’t notice the bounding koros until he was directly in front of her - make that, underneath— "Great Kal, where did you come from?!" Xanthe exclaimed, throwing out her legs and managing to miss the koros just barely with each one. "What on earth are you trying to do?!" ((continues to snicker each time she codes in "burly wood"))
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zephyr
New Member
In Memoriam
Posts: 23
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Post by zephyr on Jan 14, 2009 22:13:05 GMT -5
Brona felt a prickle of dread when Luminista mentioned her straddling the fence - memories flashed, she was airborn and the fence was underneath them and then Chance had slipped and -
She severed that thought ruthlessly, and snapped, "What would you know of fences? Oh, right, you're a unicorn - unicorns never make mistakes or missteps, do they?" She regretted it once the words left her mouth - the words hung in the air, ugly and laced with anger and bitterness. She looked away, unable to meet the mare's eyes. "How can you say the solution rests with me? What can I possibly do, possibly accomplish? Were I to wake up, I would spend the rest of my miserable life staring at a hospital ceiling. How can you possibly understand that?"
She spun and looked at Fiera instead, daring her; had she been able to, tears would be running down her face. But the despair and loss in her eyes showed her anguish clearly. "Dream or reality, what is there? If I commit to this dream, as you say, who's to say anything will change? Can you give me feeling back? A body? My sister? My life? My hopes and dreams? Run or deny - some choice that is! Fancy running when you have no legs, or worse, have legs but they belong to some stranger, just happen to be attached to you, dead weight you can't use?" Her raw anguish burbled over into a burst of hysterical laughter that snapped Brona out of it, and abruptly she clamped her lips shut and closed her eyes, taking a moment to 'breathe', to pull the walls back up around her, lock away the emotion. It's a dream, it's a dream. It's my subconscious trying to get me to accept real life, but nothing can hurt me here unless I let it. And I won't. It's just a dream. Nothing CAN hurt me. She repeated the words over and over to herself, slowly calming, but also withdrawing.
So that when little Acheflow came bounding over to meet her, she was all but invisible, a faint whisp of mist in moonlight.
She knew it was rude, but she felt inadequate, unable, to deal with Acheflow, the kore's exuberance chafing against the raw edges of her memories. So mentally she withdrew - it's a dream, it's a dream, it's a dream - until she was the invisible spirit that had drifted Kalidore unseen for a week prior.
And when she saw the Guardians and some of the Unicorns leaving, responding to a summons no-one else heard, she followed them, drifting silently in their stead.
She wasn't sure what she expected, but the wrinkled old woman they met up with wasn't it. And she didn't see what was so momentous or important about this 'Ulysses' unicorn. She narrowed her eyes and drifted closer, eyes intent on the old woman's face - she seemed to know more than the rest. Though if the poetry was any indication, she could also be senile. Heh.
((**Very sorry for the long delay. I had a very trying weekend and computer issues to boot, so I took a few days off from computer stuff to veg and get my wind back. And uh, I apologise for Brona's rudeness. She needs a good kick, she does!))
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Post by jadecorrine on Jan 15, 2009 13:57:01 GMT -5
Cheri still couldn't believe her complete lack of tact. It just wan't like her to put her foot so firmly in her mouth. She watched Xanthe go and immediately get swarmed by loving friends. If she had kept her mouth shut she might have been introduced and made friends of her own, but now the filly would tell them abut the rude human and she would be shunned. Sure, Xanthe had been nice about it, but people were always nice to your face. They'd probaby kick her right back out to Chicago before sunrise. *** Alcyone was highly impressed with Xanthe's grace, but before she could send her a grateful compliment there was a veritable stampede out of the circle. Alcyone watched them go, eyes and nostrils wide. They had been called away during the festivities? She was willing to bet something was deadly wrong. She turned back to Cheri to see her leaving. The girl's head was down and her face red as she moved away from the party, trying to slip into the shadows. Alcyone willed herself not to roll her eyes and caught up to her, pressing her muzzle to her neck as she had before. *It was a mistake. You will be forgiven, though you may be called 'Madame Heron' from hereon.* "You... you want me to stay? You're not angry with me?" Cheri asked, eyes sparkling with hope and suppressed tears. Alcyone snorted. *Mayhap 'Little Monkey.' Stay. Drink. Sing,* Alycone admonished, nudging her back toward the party. She saw Thora arrive and she nodded to her, noticing that she had a new companion as well. It's a good thing, she thought, glancing toward where the others had disappeared. We might need them now.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 16, 2009 11:29:25 GMT -5
((a tandem post by Zeph and I... so not nearly as "epic" in that perspective, hehe!)) With the decision made, there was little other talk around the circle. “Tonight, we prepare,” Odin spoke as Tyden re-mounted, Lilaini following suit on Gypsy and preparing for the brisk ride home. “We meet in the clearing on the morrow. Until then, brothers and sisters, I bid you good night.” The unicorns inclined their horns kindly as they filed passed the Diaga, she laying a hand on each wide brow as they went by. “Peace, and may Kal guide us,” she said in turn. Soon the gentle rhythm of hooves died away and only she remained in the garden with Rhaine and Muse; the young woman bowed her head and sighed, slipping indoors as she went to pack. Yet instead of following, the Daiga paused holding a hand up for Muse to do the same. "We have one more guest among us tonight." she explained, and tilting her head upwards slightly intoned, "providing she is ready to come out." Brona blinked; she hadn't thought anyone could see her - she held up her hands - nope, still invisible. How, then? For a moment she debated waiting to call Daiga's bluff, maybe she'd heard a noise Brona made. But looking at the keen authorative air around Daiga, she realised it wasn't a bluff. Somehow Daiga had known she was there. And if it's a dream, why WOULDN'T she know? She sighed at the twisted logic, but drifted forward to 'stand' in front of the old woman, unconsciously regaining a wisp of visibility. Now she was called out, though, she felt slightly abashed. What if she thinks I was deliberately eavesdropping? I wanted to know what was going on, but I didn't mean to be eavedropping. Not really. I mean - not in a kid-hiding-behind-closed doors. But she suddenly couldn't meet the Daiga's eyes, and looked away, into the starlit night. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop," she "To eavesdrop, it would imply you were somewhere you didn't belong," the Daiga said simply. She turned to pull something small from the pouch she had slung around her waist, giving the wisp no more nor no less regard then any of the others she had shortly addressed. Incredulously, Brona's eyes flitted to meet the Daiga's, sure she was the brunt of some joke and any minute she'd be soundly castigated for listening in. Then her eyes narrowed. "You can't possibly mean I belong here?" "And why wouldn't you?" The question was honest, open, and without any hint of the mockery that Brona seemed so certain to find. "People come to Kalidore for one of two reasons - because they need Kalidore, or because Kalidore needs them. You have come too far, been here too long to be merely passing through; were that the case you and I would not be here and talking this night as we both are. So the question is not so much whether you belong, but rather, why have you come?" Again, Brona blinked; had she a body, she might have felt a need to suddenly sit down. She'd been able to argue with everyone else. So why did Daiga's words ring with truth? "I don't know," she said, shocked into blunt honestly. "I think maybe I need Kalidore. Kalidore can't need me." She looked at her transparent hands, held them out to Daiga. "What good could I possibly be to Kalidore? I can't DO anything. And I - " she broke off abruptly; she'd already ranted once, at Luminista and Fiera. Chances were good Daiga already knew, or suspected her arguments. So she stared back at the Daiga, challenging her to give her an answer she could accept. "How do I know this isn't just a dream? Something my head's come up with because I don't wa- can't wake up? How do I even know I'm something human anymore?" The old woman met her gaze, her eyes clear and dark as night above and lit with as many stars. "Dream, or not - what difference? Both have heart, mind and soul... One we see with our eyes but do not partake, the other we partake but may not see. Which is truth? The only difference between sleep and wake is intention." She watched the girl's face as it flickered, whether caught by moods or act of the light as it passed through her lucent form. The anger there was fierce, but in response to it she merely shrugged, "Perhaps, if I'm not giving you the answers you'd like to hear, you're not asking the right questions." "What difference, indeed?" she muttered, and then something DID click: What would make a difference? "No, you're.....right, I'm asking the wrong thing," she said slowly, reluctantly. "Maybe the right question is - how can I make a difference? She shrugged briefly, abortively, a clear dismissal of herself, of any ability she might have. "What use am I like this? Beyond haunting naughty kore?" A whisper of a smile passed the Daiga's lips, as much at the image of little Ache trying to seize the "ghost" as for Brona's own small revelation. "You've already begun making a difference," she replied. "You are here. Of course,” she regarded the girl thoughtfully, noting the look of longing and loss that still lingered there. The cause, she knew rested within; the cure lay there also, but in this moment she knew the girl would not accept so simple a truth. Instead, she addressed the focus where it lay, gently, but with a sharp twinkle. “The body is a curious thing, is it not? So cumbersome, yet comfortably grounding at the same time…. I cannot give you your body, for that power is beyond me, but if it is a body you so strongly desire, I can perhaps offer something in it's place." She opened her hand to reveal a small dark object, smooth and warm. “Lodestone. It symbolizes direction, but also the ability to both draw and repel things from itself in turn. It can be a powerful talisman,” she explained. She motioned to Muse, who had been standing quietly with a look of quiet wonder on her face. “I might require some help,” she smiled. She sunk down onto her knees, scooping the loose earth towards her and began working it around the stone. Brona stared at the rock and then the old woman scooping earth around it. "What, what? What good is a talisman for? And why are you burying it? And - what can a unicorn do to help? Not," she said hastily to Muse, with a jerky nod in her direction, "that I mean any insult. Just, there isn't really anything you CAN do, is there?" Muse chuckled mirthfully, and had the spirit a body she would have nuzzled it. “Not everything is as it seems, nor can you judge something by appearance alone; were my daughter here, I’m sure she would say you have mistaken me for a horse.” She regarded the girl thoughtfully and continued. “There is strong magic on a night like this; a great many things can be made possible. Look closely,” and she nodded her head towards the earth. The Daiga had begun to hum softly to herself, smoothing the earth with her hands. She traced a shape into the soft dust, and as she worked, the earth seemed to move into place on its own accord. It swelled in the middle and flowed along its length, shivering softly like the surface of the lake; like branches they unfurled, a flower in bloom, eager tendrils shooting forth and building upon the whole. The figure lay, sleeping, ashen in the moonlight and wrought in dust, and the Daiga’s voice grew and swelled with song --
From the oldest coldest time When Kala's foot struck stone From her hoof a pebble flew From it, a planet grew
Kalidore, you're quiet now, But deep within your grains Where fire stirs your molten core You recall your birthing pains
Lend your bones, ground fine to dust, That Kala's child may stand; Lend your breath to give her form, So this spirit will have hands.
Shape a stone to point the way - from fires deep within, Cull away the crumbling spalls In lieu of heart and skin.
Til flesh and blood with spirit meet, And heart has found its home, Her only heart a lodestone be, And all her flesh but loam!
Brona tried to fight the surreality of the night. "Magic isn't real," she said dismissively, ignoring the part of her brain that said, But what about the unicorns, who ARE magic? She drew her disbelief around her like a shield, protecting herself from the strength – and vulnerability – that was hope. But she couldn't help drifting closer, hearing the non-words of the song. There was something bracing and fortifying in the song; for a moment, she could remember when her mother was alive - "Mommy, is magic real?"
"Some people would say no, some people say yes. Some people will spend their whole lives trying to prove one thing or the other. But I'll tell you what I think –” She pulled the child Brona and Neely close, and whispered to their ears, "I think if you believe in it, for you, magic will be real." But I think, Brona thought slowly, I want to believe in magic sometimes, almost as much as I want to make a difference. She struggled to keep from reaching out and touching the dust shadow of herself, but refrained, unwilling to touch, just to have her hand pass through. And yet she could not look away from the shifting dust – it drew her in, mesmerizing her, holding her within itself; there was something familiar about it, something that seemed to fill an emptiness she hadn’t realized had been so deep. As she watched the figure grow, a curious thing occurred – each time her eyes tried to focus on it, the image seemed to shift away. She had to concentrate, drawing ever closer, so close, her breath could have stirred the dust, had she had breath. And now my eyes are playing tricks on me, she remarked ruefully. I think it has my face… It was like looking into the reflective surface of a pool. Brona hovered there a moment, contemplating the face. And then, she began… to… slip…
…falling…
…no…
… too late...Brona opened her eyes. She was staring up at the stars, and the Daiga and Muse were looking down at her. The old woman smiled warmly, and took her firmly by the hand. “Welcome to Kalidore, Brona,” the Daiga said. ((And party wrapping up shortly, so last call for this chapters postings! ))
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Post by silentmoon on Jan 16, 2009 17:52:00 GMT -5
Acheflow scruncthed up her nose, giving off a rather strange nazeled giggle of delight at the attention. She seemed to drown in it, yet everytime devouring it with such enthusiasm, as if it was a rich as water from a fountain of youth. Although, one wouldn't think to find a fountain of youth here on Kalidore, because it was trully not needed.
Acheflow leapt after Foehn Miri joyously, her atticts not really in a certain direction. She chased the mare, as far as her spindle legs could take her, while thing sikly bushy tail swishing about when she kicked her legs high enough into the air. She didn't seem to notice that the music had stopped, and daddy and uncle all went away for the time being.
Until she was tired, Acheflow continued on her youthful chase after the bigger mare. A little leaps here and there when her legs began to tire. That's when she stopped to take a rest, but ended up yawning, then falling over to snuggle herself into the warm night and soft bed of grass. However didn't quite fall alseep yet...
--
Fiera gave a low chuckle at the younger mare's puns. True that they weren't the best, but the effort put into it was quite amusing as itself. Her body weighted shifted around to find a comfortable position when she turned to reply to Luminista, "It's alright, I've gotten my laugh for the night as it is deary." She gave the red mare a bemused wink.
Turning her eyes back to Brona and twitching her ears quickly at the irritation of the girl. "If you say so... then you're more hopeless than I thought. And you won't even dare to explore this...dream any further?" She nudged the wisp at the thought, pushing her a littler more but just of the slightly. However, she hushed when attentions turned to the Daiga.
Throughout it all, Fiera stopped to listen, drawing in the song and tried comitting it endless memories that carved their place into her mind. Then when she finished, the chestnut mare gave a notion that would look as if it was a smile if she were human.
---
Ali yawned quietly, leaning her head down on Amaterasu's shoulder while the mare had decided to lay down and share a moment of star gazing with the girl. Her eyes fluttered from the empty yet peaceful silence that surrounded them, and adding the faint sound of a song persuaded her to be taken into the land of dreams...
"Good night, I'm getting tire..." Allison closed her eyes and slumped into the bittersweet world she'd lived with all her life on Earth..
Amaterasu hummed a low melody, intentionally to calm herself but she decided to wait awhile when the human girl was actually asleep until she'd leave her lying in her dreams.
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Post by angelofmusic on Jan 16, 2009 23:08:19 GMT -5
Trinity and Aurellie kept to their places, though watched the others. Trinity had stopped playing, though that was only because she had heard the singer become silent. She saw that there were a few that seemed to bedding down as well.
"Come child. How about a song to ease our minds for the night," Aurellie said and gave Trinity's arm a soft nudge.
"A song? If ye like an' I'm nay a child," Trinity said wit ha chuckle.
"Dear, I am older than you by many years, you are still a child compared to me," the mare nickered and would then settle in a soft patch. "Settle with me and sing."
Trinity couldn't help but chuckle, she had no retort to go with what the mare had said. She settled near her and then lifting her head a little, her voice would ring out, clear as crystal, though gentle as a night's soft breeze.
Toora loora loora, toora loora lie Toora loora loora, hush now don't ye cry. Toora loora loora, toora loora lie toora loora loora, it's an Irish lullaby...
Aurellie's eyes would close slightly, her head swaying softly from side to side as she would let a gentle hum accompany the song that Trinity sang sweetly. Trinity's eyes watched the others, though now and then watched Liam, but continued to look around, though continued the song.
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Post by Delicious on Jan 17, 2009 3:52:18 GMT -5
Epione giggled as she wove through the unicorns that pranced and twirled in complex patterns around the flickering bonfire. Well, not so much wove as bumbled, she admitted to herself with another giggle. She had, at first, attempted to join in the revelry as well - but after stepping on no less than a dozen hooves, a handful of tails and bumping into at LEAST half of the dancers, she decided that perhaps dancing wasn't the best idea after a half a bushel of windblown apples. Not that it hadn't been FUN, of course. She smacked her lips, and wondered if it might not be time for another of those apples ... or three. Of course, that meant trying to work her way back to the basket - and with the world swimming and swirling, it seemed like it might be more effort than it was worth. For now, anyways. She stumbled a few more steps forward - narrowly missing knocking one of the new human guests into her blue palomino Companion. (Cheri & Alcyone) "Oopsh!" she snerked allowed, and hiccupped. "Schorry. Just ... going o'er this.... this a'way." Epione goggled at the pair for a few moments and gave a cheerful horsey* grin before stumbling onwards. The apples, tasty as they were, had left her stomach a bit grumbly for something a bit more solid. When she had seen some of the other guests munching on what looked like some rather savory oatcakes, her stomach had declared their appropriation to be of vital importance. Schnockered as she was, Epione decided that her stomach probably had a better idea of what was important than the rest of her, so she gamely followed it's directions. After a long and eventful walk towards the second** table full of food, Epione happily busied herself with consuming her weight in oatcakes and the occasional honeybun from the lavish repast that had been laid out. Her ears and tail flicked merrily as she munched, and she hummed along with the current song (albeit horrendously off-key). However, halfway through an enormous vanilla creme trifle, her nose twitched. Raising her head, muzzle well-coated in powdered sugar and cream, she snuffed at the air again. "Hrmgfh." she grunted, and took a step to the left before taking another long breath. "Ish ... def'nly Bordeaux ... " Epione mumbled, and closed her eyes as she huffed the air. ".... Oak. ... ... shome almondsh. ... " She took a few more knock-kneed steps forward. "An' .... an' .... cherriesh...." she breathed at last - and her eyes popped back open, a crazy gleam glittering in their depths. She raked her gaze over the audience that watched the dance before finally settling on the small trio that seemed to be providing the music - Epione's ears pricked and another giggle burst forth as she stumbled determinedly towards them. Liam felt a small pang of loss at the departure of his engaging hostess, but suffered the deprivation with good grace, her conversation and playful attitude having already put him at ease with the rest of his surroundings. He took a long draught of his wine - singing along with the accompaniment of the young lady when he knew the words, humming and tapping his foot when he did not. When she eventually moved closer and took a glass of her own, he made sure to smile at her broadly and touch his forehead, hoping to indicate his great pleasure in the gift of her song. After a few more verses and songs, he opened his mouth to request a particular tune - when a great milk-chocolate beast seemed to come barrelling out of nowhere. Having already drank more than a handful of glasses, Liam's reaction times were slowed to the point that he was able to do little more than register the mare's approach before he found himself (and his lovely goblet of wine) knocked to the ground, and staring dazedly upwards at Epione who was staring (seemingly just as bemused) down at him. The mare blinked, first one eye and then the other, and cocked her head as she regarded his now wine-soaked person - reminding Liam of some sort of great wall-eyed bird. He blinked back, something in the back of his head beginning to whisper uncomfortably - something about the situation seemed to trigger rememberences of ... something that he couldn't quite grasp - when Epione lowered her head towards him and gave his face a long, sticky lick. "I'll shay .... mmm .... Fifteen hundredsh. Give'er take a hundred or show." Epione burbled happily, and smacked her lips. "Yush. Defin'ly. Frensh Bordeaux." And then she burped. Liam stared up at her for a few moments longer, and then as the warmth of the wine he had already drank bubbled through him, he collapsed back onto the ground with a roar of laughter. ((*I'd use the "unicorny" but uh ... no. So, please forgive me.)) **The travel to the first table was actually fairly short - but unfortunately once THERE she managed to knock the table over and into the mud, much to the dismay of the others waiting their turn behind her. ((Sorry if it's a bit wandery. I ees tired. Hehe.))
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