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Post by Admin on Mar 14, 2009 21:11:46 GMT -5
Gypsy flicked her ears and forth as she listened to the approach of the others. She continued at a walking pace as she could hear all that the group was now following behind. A leaf, glinted gold in the sunlight, gracefully fluttered to the from its tree as a slight breeze picked up. It changed from gold to a copper as it brushed next to the mare’s mane. Lilaini reached forward and sent the leaf back on it’s original course to rest on the forest floor.
Odin drew up beside them, Tyden looking slightly less steady then he normally did the Guardian noticed. Although, that did seem to happen after he just returned to Kalidore from one of his many travels. Despite everything that had happened while they gathered the companions, she realized in the scheme of things, he hadn’t been back that long actually.
Hear ears caught Odin’s words and an amused grin spread across her face. “Ah, yes that really would be very....unfortunate.” She hesitated to allow the last word to gain impact. “Where would the fun in that be I wonder?” Gypsy just shook her head and scoffed slightly at her companion. It appeared her mood from the night before still lingered despite the display first thing this morning.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 14, 2009 21:37:00 GMT -5
Shapes flickered, weaving between the falling leaves as silently as shadows; silver flashed among the gold, glinting, and a moment gone. Tyden cocked his head, his focus drawn, observing the woman sidelong as she spoke, her tone forfeiting any shred of subtly. He swallowed, carefully, shifting in place as if considering his footing. "Perhaps, if you weren't so keen on running off all the time..." he shrugged dismissively, settled comfortably forward and allowing the stallion's longer stride to keep a little ahead of them. "Granted, that would be assuming you actually knew how to have fun...."
The wind laughed, briefly, and was still again.
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Post by Admin on Mar 14, 2009 21:56:35 GMT -5
Arieon was very pleased when the young Guardian accepted his offer. He knew he had never had a rider before, and was silently scolding himself for not paying closer attention to how one must move when carrying a rider, but there was nothing for that now. He began positively beaming when Rhaine complimented him on how he looked. The stallion was quite relieved that she did not find him dishevelled looking. He would not be a fitting mount for her at all if he was, and he was glad that he had taken the time to clean himself up before joining the group.
He reached out affectionately and touched Muse’s muzzle. “Ah of course I was coming! How could you possibly think otherwise? I solemnly swear to take the very best care of your dear companion here. Taking care of females is of course, something I do very well.” At this point Rhaine had wandered closer to him and put her hand on his withers. He ensured to stand as still as possible; he was taller then Muse and wasn’t sure if this would present as a problem for the young woman or not. It apparently didn’t, as she swung onto his back with ease.
“Yes of course, that is perfectly fine!” he replied cheerfully in response to her query. He began to pick up his pace, paying extra careful attention to make his already fluid movements moreso. As long as his attention wasn’t divided or distracted, he would fully concentrate on being as accommodating to his new rider as possible.
Lilaini’s green eyes expressed her amusement more than her mouth did. They flashed green as she met his gaze and then held it. She paused, but then replied, not looking away from him as she did so. “Well I don’t recall running anywhere, unless of course you mean when you came wandering in this morning while I was getting dressed. You should have to try harder then that I would think.” She paused again, momentarily distracted by a noise to her left, but she quickly refocused. “And I could assure you I do know how to have fun, but it’s always something that is more believable when seen for.........” her voice broke off abruptly as Gypsy’s mood intruded upon her. She looked away from the man next to her and towards her companion. The mare’s ears were flicking back and forth attentively, catching sounds the young woman couldn’t hear yet. Her pace had slowed to almost a standstill as she looked into the trees around them.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 15, 2009 1:03:53 GMT -5
His attention baited, Tyden’s focus didn’t shift until Odin came to stop also, breath escaping through his nostrils in hot grey plumes. Gypsy’s cautious movement broke the mood and he found his own breath left him with a flush of relief. At least for several seconds; as Liliani fell silent he was suddenly aware of how still the forest actually was – no birds chirped, no rustling of squirrels and nut-mongers in the trees; the silence had become encompassing and complete. He straightened, turning forward and sitting tall, his eyes addressing each slipped shadow and twitched bush with weary admission. His hand had instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword, fingers curling around the familiar metal and finding easy reassurance there. And yet… this was Kalidore, the hallowed isle; had things changed so much from the night before that the forest was no longer akin to them? or was it him who had been gone so long that he was changed, that it was he who no longer belonged? Movement caught his eye, unmistaken this time, silver'd shapes that ran along the shadows and among the trees. *What is it?* his thoughts reached towards his companion. *Be still* Odin responded levelly. *Wait. Listen*The wind meandered through the treetops then, causing a light shower of leaves to fall. They settled around the unicorns, drawn instinctively still behind their leaders, all ears pricked and eyes forward. Laughter, short, brief, and gone. And then another cry, high and arced, falling off just before one could discern a source. Tyden turned his head, away from the unyielding trees and towards the group, catching Lilaini’s eyes – serious now, like his own – and moving beyond them to seek the others. The last of the party were in sight, and silently, he willed them to stay where they were. He turned back to face with Odin, and suddenly saw they were not alone: where only shadows stood a moment before was filled now with all the dusky colours of the earth and wood, silvered and banded, snow-ticked and dark as slate, and each set off with glint and gleaming golden eyes. The Wolves of the Kaledon stood before him, and if he dared to turn he knew he’d find them flanked on every side. The largest wolf he had ever seen – a huge animal in grizzled steel who’s head would come easily past his waist alone – yielded less then a half-pace away from where Odin stood. It fixed him with amber eyes, lips curled as it spoke. “What meaning is this transgression?!”* * * Rhaine swallowed her laughter whole as Areion set out, positively strutting with pride and setting the ivory plumes around his feet a-swirl with the motion. He truly was a gorgeous stallion, which is probably why he never came off as sounding obstinately boastful, even if he was a bit vain; and he did have a marvelous gait, too. He moves like Mare Imbrium, she thought, and considered the graceful black mare contentedly, a familiar daydream. She would probably be a great dancer too, the next thought came, though truth be told she could never recall Imbri dancing. She never seemed to be around for the festivals or gathering times or any time at all when the other were set for celebration. A pity that, she sighed inwardly and the dream shook itself away. She glanced around to quickly count heads, surprised by the number who were coming. We are quite the welcoming party, she considered ruefully; I hope Ulysses will be glad to see us, or if not, at least is not completely overwhelmed at the very sight. She was glad to see Xanthe and her friend finally slip into the following, passing Thora and Bryn who seemed to have stationed themselves at the very back; the rest of the unicorns and companions where scattered along the trail, each finding their own pace. At this point Lilaini and Tyden were mostly out of sight, taking up the lead. Rhaine had to shake her head; occasionally, the two of them could get so fixed on the notion of who was doing the actually leading that the direction they were heading was completely forgot in the scuffle; that was when she would silently steer the course, and lure everyone back on track without anyone noticing so much as a bump. This was the way it had always been, and how she liked it, and she was content. Mostly. Sometimes…. they really annoyed the heck out of her when they left her behind. Ah well, there wasn’t much trouble they could get into on the way to the Skyfields, at least— A sharp finger of fear jabbed her chest, and she caught her breath between her teeth. It was gone in a moment, but there was no mistaking where it had come from. *Arieon* she leaned forward, digging her knees tight against his ivory hides. *Trouble ahead; we must reach the others, quickly*The stallion needed no explanation or urging, the Guardian’s worry had transferred along with her words. He ducked his head in affirmation, feeling the girl’s fingers tighten in his mane and they took off up the trail like streaming sunlight.
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Post by geob on Mar 15, 2009 13:34:23 GMT -5
The trio of friends had quickly caught up with Odin and Gypsy and kept pace with them without crowding them. General chatter and banter floated around them like the leaves. Luminista listened with only half her attention thinking instead of her recent restlessness and how it seemed to be increasing with every step she took.
At first she didn't notice that the others had stopped until she had nearly run into Gypsy. Stopping abruptly to avoid a collision she first cast a glance over her shoulder to see Foehn Miri and Tien Mu standing at attention a full length behind her. Head up, ears forward, nostrils flared Luminista took stock of her surroundings for the first time. And both saw and scented the pack of wolves that surrounded them. She couldn't quite keep a shiver of nervousness from sweeping her from nose tip to tail tip. There were so many of them and there was nowhere to go that did not lead to wolves!
She caught sight of Arieon coming up quickly from behind and debated for a brief moment upon which way to move in order to make room for him. She quickly decided against stepping to the right for a rather large dust-colored wolf sat there staring at her. Instead she stepped back and to the left a couple of paces for the wolf on the left at least stood further back and wasn't focused on her.
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Post by Admin on Mar 17, 2009 18:53:19 GMT -5
Arieon wordlessly bounded ahead as Rhaine’s thoughts slammed into his own. The urgency noted in them was unmistakable, but he wasn’t sure what have provoked the thoughts. The cream coloured stallion effortlessly zigzagged his way through the crowd of mares who were now all stopped in front of him. The moves were exact and graceful, but his careful concern over his rider had been pushed to the back of his mind in his effort to reach his brother at the front of the group. Had his rider been anyone less skilled than the young woman who was perched upon his back, she certainly would have had a difficult time staying on, but as it was Rhaine was a very accomplished rider and she was able to stay on without too much difficulty.
The stallion came to an abrupt between Luminista, a fiery red mare he hadn’t seen before, and a dusty coloured wolf. His mane and tail took half a second to catch up with him, and he had to toss his head quickly to the side so he could once again see. He quickly saw what it was that appeared to be the problem. Not that wolves frightened him of course, but he was left wondering as he eyed up the wolves closest to him if they were always this hostile. The leader appeared to be standing in front of his brother, and he pricked his ears forward, waiting to see who would speak first while ensuring keep an eye on the wolves nearest to him and the mares around him.
Gypsy stood close beside her brother and watched as the wolves emerged from the cover of the trees. She was almost unaware of the near collision that happened behind her, so intent was she on the forest. Her ears flicked backwards, listening for the ones she was sure were also on both sides and probably behind as well. Her emerald eyes took in the expression of Tayo, the pack leader who had just spoken. Her companion’s mind rubbed up against hers and it appeared they were thinking in a similar fashion.
Lilaini was confused. Had she been in a different situation, her brow would have furrowed, but she did not allow her face to betray any of what she was thinking to the pack. This was not normal behaviour for the wolves. She lived peacefully in the woods and knew of the wolves well, they preferred to keep to themselves, but there was no dislike between them and unicorns. She cast a glance at Tyden and saw he was intently staring into Tayo’s eyes. Big mistake. The wolves did not like to be stared down it was considered a challenge and at very best incredibly rude. Hoping to clear up whatever the misunderstanding seemed to be, she turned back to the steel coloured wolf who stood before Odin.
”Sentries of the Forest,” she began, and bowed her head slightly as a sign of respect to their leader. Her eyes searched out where his fellow leader and mate was standing nearby and she bowed again. In her peripheral vision she could see Tyden still staring in the wolf’s amber eyes.
Stop staring at him! she mentally hissed at him. That is Tayo their leader, and his fellow leader and mate Vora is standing directly behind him. Something is wrong, this is not normal behaviour. Do not insight them, we have Kore and new companions with us.
She waited until she was sure he had obeyed her silent command before continuing to speak out loud. “We were not aware we had made any transgressions.... what have we done to offend you?”,
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Post by silentmoon on Mar 17, 2009 22:07:00 GMT -5
Fiera made her way pleasently after the others, prefering to stay behind a little while she watched the young Odette through the corners of her eyes. "She's fairing well, I'd say." Fiera commented mentaly, rather impressed that such a pampared unikore would even think about coming with them.
Ali seemed to fair out well, she relaxed comfortably into a steady pace, interlacing her fingers through orange mane. All in honesty, she didn't believe to be much use on this journey. And if that seemed to wind to be the case, well, they weren't too far from home. Fiera would understand, she concluded mildly.
Odette wasn't to far behind the duo infront. Her grace was no where to be found, instead her gate was choppy and more than once, she would have tripped from sudden mini obstacles in the grass. It made her stress about breaking something, more specifically something attached to her her. Fiera didn't really give much of a glance back towards the grey, but something like bubbling confidence filled her chest. Well, until she froze, stark still and tensed. Halting further away then Gypsy or Lilaini, however, Odette was terrified.
Only then did Fiera realize some static tension in the air. She slowed down to a stop, her ears pricked forward and her pupils dilated some, although she gave the appearance of a calm unicorn. Ali on the other hand, wanted to claw at that calm look but her distress was clearly visable. "Stop fidgeting dear. You'll most likely fall off and be food." Fiera snorted, a bit of sarcasm dripping into her human's mind. Ali mumbled something unintelligent under her breath.
"Odette, child, come here. Next thing would be for you to fall somewhere." Her voice was soft and crooning, although it was commanding. The grey mare however, didn't even flinch.
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Post by Delicious on Mar 18, 2009 3:17:52 GMT -5
Liam walked contentedly beside Pasiphaë, excessively pleased with his new toy (although he'd never call it such) and his new purpose - vague though it was. He strode in silence, enjoying the simple pleasure of a fine fall morning and pleasant company (disregarding her occasional barbed quips) - at least until the commotion of a cream-coated stallion arrival attracted his attention. He nudged Pasiphaë with an elbow. "Tisn't that your partner o' last night, lass? The one with the fancy footwork? Had ye in a bit o' a lather if I recall ..." Liam grinned, relishing the chance to tease the mare after being the recipient of her jibes for most of the last week.
Pasiphaë feigned indifference. "Hrm? Who?" She cast about for a moment, pretending to have trouble in locating the subject of Liam's interest. "Oh, Arieon? Yes, we danced. Briefly." She replied, barely suppressing a slight shivered tingle at the memory before focusing on the still stinging pang of disappointment at his abrupt abandonment the night before. "I suppose he's coming with us ... and ... carrying Rhaine?" She blinked, momentarily surprised at the choice.
Liam's attention perked at the mention of the brunette Guardian, and turned his head to regard the pair. "Is he her 'bonded' then? She chose well if so ... he's a rather fine looking fellow. A bit ... flashy, if you like that sort of thing..." He slid a sly glance at Pasiphaë before continuing, "Definitely built for speed, that one, but looks like he could keep a good pace ... ouch!" Liam frowned at the mare, and rubbed his arm where she had nipped him sharply through the soft fabric of his shirt.
Pasiphaë huffed at Liam in irritation. "Can't you remember anything? Her bonded indeed! I'll have you know they're nothing of the sort." She said, and sniffed primly. "Muse is Rhaine's Companion, if you must know, although I'm sure I've already told you. And neither of them chose - it just happens."
Liam quirked an eyebrow at the mare, and then turned his head to regard the pair again. "Ah. I see." His eyes roved the rest of the group, trying to pick out which of the other unicorns seemed to 'fit' as Rhaine's Chosen. All of them seemed other wised paired up, or uninterested in the woman except ... Liam cringed at the connection. "I ... err ... I don't suppose, 'Muse' is another name for the young lass with the packs?" He queried, almost afraid of the answer, as he nodded his head toward Xanthe.
Pasiphaë snorted. "No, although I suppose I should give you some credit for trying. Xanthe, " her tone softened a bit at the filly's name, "... is Muse's daughter. Muse is carrying the Daiga. Honestly, Liam, she's right next to Rhaine, I don't understand why you're having so much tro..." she trailed off, coming to a sudden stop as the Arieon and Rhaine vaulted forward down the path, and she caught the murmurings of ... something in the wind. "Something's not ... right. Get on." She hissed at the soldier.
"What?" Liam frowned, his hand automatically going to the pommel of his sword. He peered down the path, before Pasiphae's last words registered, and he looked up at the mare in confusion. "On? Ye don't mean ..."
"On me. My back. Obviously." Pasiphaë snapped at the man, her temper fraying further at his delayed response.* "Unless you'd rather I just ... left you here?"
Liam bit his tongue, recognizing the futility of pointing out the contradiction of her words to earlier orders to the mare. If there was one thing he had learned in the last week, it was generally better to let Pasiphaë work out her anger on some one other than himself. He laid one hand upon her withers, and vaulted easily aboard, and settled neatly - if a bit nervously - upon her back.
For all her bluster and bite, Pasiphaë wasn't exactly ready for the sensation of a rider on her back - and barely kept herself from startling at Liam's quick response. She clamped down on the impulse to bolt, and stood, quivering, for several long moments as she tried to force herself to relax.
Liam sat, keeping as still and relaxed as he could, and tried to provide as little distraction as possible as he felt her tense under him. He was very nearly going to chalk up the whole situation as a very, very bad idea - and was mentally cataloging the painful ways in which it would end - when the mare gave a single shiver and sprang forward down the path at a fast clip.
Luckily for both the mare and the man astride her, Liam's skill in the (invisible) saddle was good enough that he was able to compensate for her abrupt and sudden movement, and was able to refrain from being left in a pained and bruised heap on the ground behind. He found himself unconsciously leaning forward, hands buried in her mane, as he kept his knees locked tight against her ribs. While the sensation of being astride the mare was comforting in it's familiarity, Liam definitely felt at a loss as to how to proceed from here. Attempting to direct Pasiphaë (at least at the current time) seemed like a potentially suicidal course of action, yet the idea of riding without any sort of control was disconcerting to his well disciplined calvary officer training. It was going to ... take some getting used to, Liam admitted to himself ruefully.
Fortunately, Liam was saved further broodings by Pasiphae's equally unexpected stop. The mare had rounded the path, and angled herself to come to a stop beside Arieon, and several of the other unicorns. They were all staring at something ... he peered around Pasiphae's head and barely kept his mouth from falling open. Wolves. A large pack of the largest wolves he'd ever had the (pleasure? misfortune? - his mind boggled) of seeing. "Hsst. 'Phae." He leaned forward to whisper at the mare's pricked ear. "Now what?"
"We wait." She replied tensely, her ears swiveling back to pin themselves flat against her head.
Footnote: *To be fair, his reticence wasn't entirely his own fault. During their trek to the festival, Pasiphaë had made it QUITE clear how she felt about ... riders. Or at least, Liam riding (partly due to guilt, and partly due to disgust at the possibility of being compared to a horses she knew he was well acquainted with). The man had taken it in good grace, after all ... riding a beast that talked BACK was a strange enough to be a deterrent. However, her convictions, along with a rudimentary understanding of the whole 'Companion' process (which, to be honest, Pasiphaë had done a rather poor job in explaining despite her prim assertions otherwise), had led him to believe that only person a unicorn would allow upon it's back would be their bonded. To find out otherwise ... took some getting used to.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 19, 2009 0:46:00 GMT -5
Tayo’s amber eyes broke from the man and turned instead towards the woman. His hackles were bristling and ears moved in wary circles as he sized her, noting the bowed head and indirect gaze; the hairs along his back lowered slightly, but he remained glowering and squared. He swallowed, tongue slicked over long incisors. “This is not the season Unicorns travel,” the words grated from his throat. “All wrong, all of it, and we have suffered enough! There shall be no more acquiescence–”
“In sooth, Tayo!” spoke the dark she-wolf behind him, leaping forward to stand beside her mate. Her eyes were palest gold and her coat brindled with all the colours of earth. “Do you not know to whom you speak?” Her eyes moved about the traveling party, as fleet as birds. “Tis the Guardians of Kalidore, and Kal’s first born ’imself! Right good you ’ould do the likes of us all to bare teeth at ’em!” She turned, formally, towards the others, lifting her ears as she faced them. “Greetings, Children of Kal and Guardians of the Isle. I am Vora, and this be my mate, Tayo with the eager teeth. Sooth – we meant you no harm. But ’tis not an easy moon to be Sentinel in the Kaldeon, and we are well within our right t’be weary.”
“Well, indeed!” the grizzled grey sneezed in disgust. He waited until his mate was done before taking up again, though did well to hold the bite back in his voice. “Mayhap, I was hasty. Yet, are we to believe this is not a party of war? Unicorns, and Companions astride… there are songs we Moonsingers tell of such times, though none believed they would come again. But stars do not lie. And yet, ’tis not our war – and yet again, here it is on our threshold. We are the Sentries of the Kaledon and will fight for her unto death, but truly – how much more of our blood would Kal have us shed?”
His words curled into a sharp howl, and all around the forest lit up with cry of wolves, their voices melding and cajoling, channeling together as one. The song lifted through the trees and sent shivers down Rhaine’s spine, there was such sadness there. *Something terrible has happened here* her thoughts spread out to touch those around her, anyone who was open to the call. *Great sorrow, great loss; this is nolonger just about us, but all of Kalidore. We are not alone*
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Post by angelofmusic on Mar 19, 2009 9:14:10 GMT -5
As the group progressed along, Trinity was silent, but not because she didn't want to talk, she was taking in more of what there was along the journey. She was also listening to the others. Aurellie kept near, though too was silent. Trinity was curious moreso of the land and where they were headed, but knew of course that was to come as the journey continued. Eventually Trinity did take to Aurellie's back to ride, something she had not yet done, but it was no different than riding a regular horse, so there was no problem. Aurellie remained close to the group so she wasn't behind, yet when the others stopped, she stopped as well.
"What's wrong?" Trinity asked, looking ahead and seeing the others stopped, though she could see the figures ahead.
"Wolves," Aurellie whispered. "Stay on my back and all should be cleared soon"
Trinity didn't answer, but she stayed where she was, watching. They were a little further back in the group, so she couldn't quite hear what was happening.
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Post by Admin on Mar 19, 2009 15:18:36 GMT -5
Some of the colour drained from Lilaini’s face at the word’s the pack leaders spoke. She felt Gypsy stiffen beneath her at their words as well, and vision’s flashed in the pairs mind of the previous war’s carnage. The young woman cast a glance at Rhaine who was now aboard Arieon next to her as the wolves began to howl in grief. Something terrible certainly had happened here, but what? The stars do not lie, he had said. Feeling slightly unnerved, she looked back at Tayo and Vora, knowing she must speak but paused so she could ensure she chose her words carefully.
“You speak the truth, this is not the normal time for Unicorns to be traveling, but this gathering was not intended as a party for war.” She allowed her emerald eyes a fleeting glance at the two wolves to whom she spoke, but kept the look for only a respectful amount of time before dropping her gaze again. Intermittent eye contact was what they appreciated. “We come in search of one who has been gone for many long years, one who we have learned, has recently returned to Kalidore. It is Ulysses for whom this party has gathered. But it seems that more is going on than we were aware, pray, tell us what has happened within the forest which the Sentries protect?” She was unable to hide the distress in her voice. She and Rhaine were supposed to be the Guardians of Kalidore, not simply the Guardians of the Unicorns. There had been so many years of peace, that it seemed as though there was nothing to fear on Kalidore, yet now guilt was welling up at the thought of some misfortune befalling any of the many creatures she loved on the Isle.
Arieon’s ears flicked back as the sound of approaching hooves came from behind him but he did not turn him head, too engrossed was he in the conversation that was occurring in front of him. The muscles underneath his gleaming cream coloured coat were taunt, ready to move in an instant if required. At the sound of the wolves howl he turned him head and saw the grief plainly written across the faces of the wolves nearest to him, although it was impossible to miss in their sound. He noticed that the mare who had pulled up beside him looked vaguely familiar, but he was momentarily confused by the man upon her back. When she flattened her ears back threateningly at the wolves, the expression brought back visions of the night before and he recalled who she was. He vaguely wondered who the human man was, but his attention was pulled back in front of him as Lilaini began to speak again. The stallion felt his rider’s body tense around him, and he could feel the sense of sadness exuded from her.
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Post by jadecorrine on Mar 19, 2009 18:53:15 GMT -5
Cheri rode easily, idly weaving tiny plaits in Alcyone's silky mane. True, she was used to riding on horses with a western saddle, and hadn't even done that with regularity in years, but her mount's back seemed made for her, like the two of them fit together. Of course, Alcyone's consideration for her rider helped, too. She was just a little rusty.
As they made their way through the sun-dappled forest Cheri regaled her with tales of her riding experiences, recounting her favorite steeds and describing the California beaches they usually traversed.
"Then we moved to Chicago. I didn't know anyone there, especially not anyone with a horse ranch. There are some stables around, but i --" She broke off when Alcyone came to an abrupt halt, almost tossing her to the ground. Bewildered, she glanced around and saw the wolves.
At first, Cheri looked immediately toward the young ones, wondering if Alcyone could move in front of them without spooking the wolves. She saw they were ringed with mares and breathed a touch easier. As Tayo and Vora spoke, however, she had to wonder: what wars had these creatures fought in? And what side were they on? The sound of their grief chilled her and she shivered. Under the howls she heard Alcyone's breath come hard and fast through flared nostrils and looked down to see white ringing her eyes. Slowly, softly, she leaned foreward and caressed her neck, breathing soothing noises into her ear. *Don't worry,* she sent to her friend, *We'll be fine. They're talking, not attacking. That's a good thing. Sounds like they need our help more than our blood.* She continued stroking her with fingers, voice and mind, all the while listening intently for the wolves' next words.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 20, 2009 1:19:23 GMT -5
As the young guardian fell silent again, Tayo’s eyes rested on her for a long time, unmoving. He was the King of the Forest along side his Queen, and like the Guardians he saw it his duty to mind all creatures who habited there, not only his kin; the pride of that office was thick in his voice, and when he spoke again it was shot through with the pain of being unable to fulfill that duty, to protect his people. “Thee nights long,” he began, and could say no more.
Vora made a small noise in her throat, not unlike a mother to her pups, and quietly licked the grizzled muzzle of her mate in silence. The unicorns and their companions were perfectly still. At last she turned. “Three nights long, the sky fell, and it had teeth,” she said. Behind her the wolves’ ears ducked with assent, snarling, worrying to one another, tails clamping between legs. The shewolf’s voice grew, strong and clear, a signer’s voice, the wild cadence of her song painting the gay forest into somber tones of night bled crimson as she sang.
“The stars foretold of such things, for we are Moonsigners and know the Old Songs; and yet, there were those among us who would doubt those tales. And in that ignorance we became complacent, lulled like blind whelps and unprepared for when Ag’anae fell down upon us all ….. The woods howled that night, and it was not the wolves, for Ag’anae comes with hunger and without digression. He flew by darkness and struck, and killed… we found the bodies of the protoceres and hora first, but by the dawn, t’was our own who lay crushed and bleeding along with the rest. Those who fell can nolonger sing of battles fought and lost by the waxing moon… oh, Great Aiya, to have turned your eye from us, your children, your chosen! We have failed her, and so she has forsaken us!”
“Nay, twas not our fight,” Tayo breathed, “not our gods, yours.” He looked to the unicorns, his eyes still glint with cold anger. “The stars told a’such time when he who breathed the First Night would return to swallow the Moon, and until that time we Sentries of the Forest would stand guard o’re all ye see… We, the people of the woods who stood at Kal’s side when the world was braced against the abyss of eternal night, many a brothers and sisters claimed back by the stars. For our help, we were granted sanctum here, and the promise of peace on the isle. But again Ag’anae comes for us, for all of us. If you are not preparing for war, mayhap you should be. And if it is… this Ulysses… comes riding Ag’anae’s wings… it may already be too late.”
Astride Areion, Rhaine sat as one entranced. Cold sweat caused her to shiver, despite the heat of the unicorn beneath she could not feel warm. Visions pooled across her field of view and the forest was gone. She was one with the wolves and their song carried her, moving through ghostlike trees a heart’s pace across the ground. The moon lured her, a happy omen and she felt the urge to sing, for she had paws and silvered hair like the rest; she moved among them sharing there song, dancing beneath the opalescent disc when suddenly, the moon was gone. Night swallowed; horror, confusion, fear… Image gave way to raw emotion, intangible and untamed; all about her the voices sang, different voices, older songs, primordial, primal, urgent, dying, gone… silence…. and laughter. A new presence, oddly shaped, brushed her consciousness. The wolf body was no use to her now for she found it broken on the ground. Again she shivered, but could not draw away; the unnamed consciousness filled the void before her. It was not entirely unfamiliar, but in that moment utterly untraceable all the same. She keened towards it, drawing near, closer, and then –
Searing, blinding, light bloomed in her mind’s eye and the vision was gone. Rhaine felt the wind leave her felt her face against Areion’s polished mane. She hung there for a moment, fingers wrapped in the thick silken shocks, allowing his solidarity to ground her again. She had no idea how long it had been, perhaps, only the first verse of the song? For Vora was quiet now and Tayo had just finished speaking; she watched as he fixed his gaze on Odin, Tyden still motionless astride with hand frozen on the hilt.
Sky fell. Too high. All wrong… Broken phrases rollicked through her head but suddenly she was moving. She released her grip on his mane and slipped down before Arieon barely noticed the difference. She landed lightly between the unicorns and the grey wolf beside them, silver-faced with black tracing along his nose and ears. Gold eyes set against inkwell black and they blinked as the girl sunk to her knees before him. Head ducked, her hand went out and pressed below his muzzle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Historian’s Note: The wolves’ tales speak of two mythic beasts, Aiya (AY-ah) and Ag’anae (a-GAH-nay); they are fierce rivals who will one day destroy each other and the world will end. Yet they are also described as valued equals, consorts, and gave birth to all existence. These myths speak to the harsh reality of a predator’s existence, a tenuous balance, but also to the sublime understanding that everything – good and evil, life and death, all – are parts of one great whole.
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Post by Admin on Mar 22, 2009 9:44:18 GMT -5
Lilaini had sat almost entranced listening to the wolves. Neither her nor Gypsy moved as they listened to what the she-wolf told them. When both Vora and Tayo were finished, there was a pause as she tried to digest everything that they had just said. At this moment, movement caught her eye and she turned to where Rhaine said astride Arieon beside her. Alarm flooded through her as she saw her friend gasp and then fall onto the stallion’s creamy neck. Before she could move, her fellow guardian’s feet touched the ground and almost as if she was in a daze, she was reaching out to a wolf. Lilaini quickly dropped off of the bronze mares back and went to her friends side, alarmed as she saw her moving closer to the wolves. She went to reach for her friend but recognized the gesture she was making, and after hesitating only a split second, she too dropped to her knees with head down. She was lost for words at this point and wasn’t sure what to say. Without looking at Tyden she mentally spoke to him. Dismount, come next to us. Rhaine’s right, we shouldn’t tower of them on the back of our companions. And take your hand off your sword, we are not here to fight.
She bit her lip anxiously, the only visible sign of the anxiety that was coursing through her body. She realized that the other two were not going to speak, and she searched desperately for words to comfort the pack but found none. “Sentries of the forest...we can not begin to express the regret and despair we feel at hearing this. We truly had no idea, which does not excuse the fact we have slacked in our duties. We have become too complacent in the peace of the Isle it seems. We grieve greatly for the losses you had sustained, and for what it is worth, had we been aware, we all would have been here by your side to rally with you.” Her thoughts tugged her away again, as she dissected everything she had just heard. This was turning out to be much more of a mission then any of them had been aware.
“I am not able to heal the wounds of the past, but as a healer, I pledge my services to you in any way you may find them useful in the future. My door will always be open to you, and if you desire I will be most willing to keep you informed of all that goes on in the future. Kal has not forgotten you.” She concluded her speech and realized it was not much to offer, but what else did she have? Looking up her green eyes met the wolf’s amber ones.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 23, 2009 19:33:22 GMT -5
There were several things Tyden expected when he pledged to Kalidore; he expected the quiet solitude of the isle in contrast to the bustling kaleidoscope of ports beyond the gate, the serene and often zen-like tranquility of the unicorns with their philosophic-reflective take on the world around them, he expected the occasional tussle of negotiation among some of the isle’s other clans or even neighbours, the faithful battle of wits that permeated life with Lilaini, and even for Rhaine to, at least once, completely and utterly confound him.
So far, he’d been there barely two moons and already those expectations had been trod over, at length and with gusto, gleefully rubbed in to him how ridiculous he’d been to have ever made them in the first place. The past few weeks in particular, filled with forays through gates and running amok with some of Kalidore’s most exceptional unicorns (not to be mistook – he adored Xanthe, and after gate-hoping through the earth-time continuum with the korè he adored her all the more, but could not be entirely convinced the event hadn’t shaved a few short years off his life). Then there was the talk of Ulysess and allusions to old wars… and now, wolves… large, numerous, and distantly unhappy examples of the species.
Tyden knew wolves; growing up in the skyfields had made him familiar with most of Kalidore’s creatures, though the wolves tended to keep to themselves in the lowlands. Wolves and unicorns long shared and easy camaraderie, and there had never been distress between the two; the wolves of the Kaledon were very amicable. Very different, mind you, from the wolves he had known as a young man in Aurdenborough, but it was with some degree of shame that he realized his instinct still rested there, a prejudice ingrained, as Liliani’s fair warning burst across his consciousness. He recoiled inwardly as she spoke, chiding himself thoroughly, especially as his body seemed unconvinced by the news and remained taut and battle-ready. Tayo and Vora’s recount of some beast in the forest did little to settle his pulse either, and at this point Odin’s unflinching calm was infuriating. He had, of course, been schooled too long to break to impulse, and so sat there solidly through the exchange. Besides, Lilaini was handling things better then he would have, and he was glad; at the same time, it did nothing to restore his own stock in his ability to truly be useful to Kalidore. Guard the guardians… it had really seemed a simple premise… except… they really didn’t look like they needed guarding…
And suddenly Rhaine let go of Areion’s mane and was tumbling headlong into one of the wolves.
In retrospect, he discovered in what could only be described as his own personal moment of zen-like clarity, that a second was really an immeasurably long length of time. Sprawlingly long, and uncharted as to the amount of things the human body and mind were capable of processing in that time, especially when all those functions decided to cease functioning, all at once. That was also how long it took for him to realize his heart was beating again, and by that time Lilaini’s command pierced his head and he also remembered to breath. And because he knew acting on any of the instincts that were coursing through his person right then could only end horribly, horribly wrong, he was glad for excuse to push them aside and followed her lead.
He threw his leg over and landed heavily, furthering the movement downwards as he kneeled and bowed his head. From the corner of his eye he watched Rhaine and the wolf, but made no motion towards them; when it came down to it, he did trust her, absolutely, even if her methods often left him at complete loss.
He just… couldn’t say he felt quite the same way about the wolves…
Tayo’s eyes followed the Companion’s movement to the floor, and when Lilaini was done speaking their eyes met. They remained there the briefest moment before he moved, coming forward to stand before all of them. At his side Vora pressed silently, catching her slick tongue across her mate’s face as he addressed them. “Your words are heart-touched, Guardian, and we Sentries of Kaledon feel the conviction of that heart… but surely, you must see that what my people have undergone, you of Kal’s blood could not possibly understand—”
“Say now…perhaps, we are not so different,” another voiced considered softly, and Tayo’s attention marked the grey wolf beside them, who stood contemplating the dark-haired woman who had landed at his feet. She had relaxed her hand but it remained stationed there as her dark eyes sought upwards, gently, and she kept perfectly still.
The grizzled pack leader regarded him with measured patience, though around the edges it wore thin, “Tali,” he began determinedly, “it is not your place to speak—”
“Aiya’s moon,” Vora broke, her eyes brightly twinkling. “’Ees your get, and a’hardly think either of you will be kept silent a’long; allow him speach,” she winked at him. Her mate looked from one to the other as if some sort of silent communication happened there; wolves did not use mind speak, but the subtle nuances of posture spoke volumes to them making such other means unnecessary. At last the old male nodded, and the silver-grey wolf continued, his voice gentle with his dam’s soft cadence, but words honed carefully like his sire.
“If the old tales hold true, did not they rally then at our defense, shed their blood for our kin along side their own, and loose their pups too? Surely then, that is proof enough, and of sorrow… we have all our share of them, why welcome more? If, by chance, our clans joined may prevent further loss…” Tali dipped his head, and his tongue flicked, lightly, across the woman’s cheek.
Vora flagged her tail, shouldering her mate as she nudged past him towards her son. She landed a quick lip on his ear and slipped past him. “Ees right, by the moon,” she chirruped, and came to stand in front of Tyden. “The Kaledon is but a’part of a larger Isle, and we are one of many who makeths a’whole. Who’s fault this is matters naught, only so that we face it a’together.” She reached out and contently licked the man’s face.
Tayo’s eyes registered the events quietly, the worry still fixed in his mind but he could not deny what his mate and son professed. It was his duty to care for the people of the Kaledon, just as it was the Guardian’s duty to care for the isle as a whole; it was easy to believe the two were unalike and to shoulder the task selfishly and call it duty, to blame another for your troubles and then refuse there help for a solution on those grounds alone. But none of these would help the people of Kaledon, and as much as his pride hurt him, Tayo knew this to be true; the future of Kalidore relied on solidarity, and this was bigger then them all.
He trotted forward and stood before Lilaini, his voice thick as he spoke. “Aye, ye children of Kal have always treated us well, and in return we have met you with the same kindness. Please do not let this day colour your memory of the wolves, as we have acted here in grief and despair. What you have pledged to us is more then we rightly deserve, and we are most grateful. And, if the Sentries of Kaledon can aid you in anyway, you need only ask and our service is yours.” He hesitated one last moment and reached up, licking the Guardian’s face kindly.
Rhaine was silent as Tali licked her face, but the small creep of a smile had begun across her features. The wolf’s haloed eyes continued to contemplate her with a mixture of curiosity and what could only described as canine amusement, though weather this was directed at her, or for the unsettling affect it had had on his father, Rhaine was unsure. But she broke a grin all the same, brushing her mind against the wild one’s. *Thank you*
Tali blinked, unused to the sensation, and his ears swiveled distractedly until he realized where the voice had come from. He looked at the woman again, one ear perked and head cocked slightly askew, his face a question. It was a completely puppish expression and she giggled, ducking her head again with esteem. “I beg pardon, Sentry of Kaledon, if I startled you; I have not known many wolves, and the depth of your customs are still learning to me.”
“Then I would say you are a quick study,” the wolf’s tail bobbed lopsidedly, and touched his nose to her again. “I confess, I have not met many companions. So we meet then on common ground. I am called Tali.”
“And I am Rhaine,” she grinned openly. “Tali, well met.” Instinctively, her hand had gone to the wolf again, pausing as he worked his nose across her fingers and then moving to trace the dark fur up behind his ears. She sunk into the soft fur and scratched gently, her face a picture of gentle contemplation. Tali’s, on receipt, slowly curled into happy expression of bliss.
Odin had watched the proceedings silently, and at last he spoke, inclining his head to the dark shewolf who stood beside his companion. “While we may see little of one another, our lives are indeed entwined, something we should not to be take for granted; as we tread through the forest, we will always be mindful of your clan.”
“Aye, and we will one better that!” Vora laughed. “Safe passage! We will grant you our best guides until you leave the Kaledon, a token of our goodwill,” she danced back to her mate’s side starting up a cascading yodel, and the wolves around them joined in song.
“We are much obliged,” the stallion bowed his head, and as he did so nudged his companion. “It is time we took our leave.”
The urge to wipe his face was being contained, barely, on the grounds that sullying a gesture of goodwill was frowned up in almost any culture. Tyden took hold of Odin’s mane as he rose to feet, glancing again towards the guardians. While Lilaini was rightening herself beside Gypsy, Rhaine was still sitting in the ground with the wolf lolling his head happily as she rubbed shoulders. Tyden swallowed. He looked up at Lilaini in hopes she’d say something but the woman remained silent, returning his gaze with a pursing one of her own. In the end, it was Areion who reached down and touched Rhaine’s sholder and she rose with an almost unhappy reluctance and climbed astride. Tyden turned away, his focus returning to the open trail ahead. Odin waited as he mounted, and as soon as they walked forward the bulk of the wolves dispersed, swallowed back into the forest as silently as shadows. As promised, a few appointed guides remained, clipping along side at an easy pace.
As the unicorns fell back into step behind them Lilaini sighed, feeling Gypsy’s warmth and reassurance bathe over her. *You did a great good there,* the unmistakable swell of pride was in her bonded’s voice, and only then did she release the knot of trepidation she had been holding so tightly in her stomach. The events still swam through her mind and she had no real answer although she really wanted to refute; she felt Gypsy chuckle at that response and sighed again.
“Well done,” the Daiga said.
Lilaini looked up to find Muse had pulled along side, and the old woman’s dark brown eyes hand found her and held her own. She was smiling, and her face broke into dozens of well-worn wrinkles, each one marking a reason why Lilaini couldn’t disagree. Without a word the young woman bobbed her head with reverence, and they continued up the path in silence.
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Post by Delicious on Mar 26, 2009 0:31:41 GMT -5
Kyn had bounded jovially forward alongside Xanthe at Rhaine's call, his young mind a-whirl with a myriad of romantic* visions of the adventure to come. It was all so exciting he could scare contain himself! As fell into step beside her he couldn't help but pepper the golden filly with small bursts of questions: Had she really ever met a mammoth? If Liam was a warlock (and what exactly was one?) what were they going to do about it? His attention, so eagerly rapt on Xanthe's potential answers, caused him to miss the sudden mass exodus of the rest of the group. It wasn't until Xanthe quickened her own pace beside him that Kyn looked up and noticed how far behind they had fallen. He accelerated his own stride, ears perked and curious as the the reason for the sudden hast - when he finally rounded a corner of the path and was startled to find himself surrounded by more than a score of the wolves of Kaledon. Kyn stared at the pack, wide-eyed with surprise, as the adrenline and excitement coursed hotly through his young heart. At first the surprise of their sudden appearance kept his tongue still, but as the first few moments dragged on with little more than talking, his young body betrayed his eagerness for ... something, and he bridled slightly, pacing fractiously in place. He opened his mouth, meaning to remark in an aside to Xanthe on how much LARGER they seemed than their descriptions in the stories he had heard as a weanling, when the air was rent with the lead male's heart-rending howl. Shocked into silence yet again, Kyn barely resisted the urge startle and fall back on his haunches and, quivering, watched the remainder of the exchange wide-eyed with astonishment. *** Nearby, Liam fidgeted a'top Pasiphae's back, frusterated by the lack of acting options before him, and proved that Kyn wasn't the only fractious audience member of the exchange. The scene playing out before him was seemed surreal that he had a hard time connecting. It wasn't until Rhaine dropped from Arieon's back and to her knees before one of the great wolves, that his heart came to a shuddering halt, and brought everything into painfully sharp focus. His eyes fixed on the young Guardian, Liam leaned forward to hiss urgently in Phae's ear. "What now ...?" Had it been possible for Pasiphae to flatten her ears further, at Liam's comment she would have done so - but already tense from the situation with the wolves (and her unhappiness at the fact that Liam was astride her), her ears were already pinned so close to her skull as to be practically indistinguisable. " Hush!" She snapped, her voice low and rough with strain, "They've things well enough in hand, which is more than you'd be able to boast." However, as Pasiphae watched Rhaine, the strangeness of the situation gnawed at her, and her worries glutted themselves on her unease and grew into dark, ungainly beasts. While she knew that the wolves had long be allies of the Unikore, if their disturbing tales told true ... then there was much that was not right - and pain and loss and hardship did strange things to folk, well intended tho they may be. Fortunately she was distracted as Liam fidgeted again atop her back. "Be STILL." she whispered at the man, "Do not attract attention. Your sword will do no good here." Liam, grudgingly recognizing the wisdom of her words, tried to silence himself and sit motionless atop her back. However, his resolve was tested yet again as he watched Tyden drop from Odin's back and follow Rhaine's example. With now not one, but TWO of the leaders of the small group that he had just (at least internally) sworn himself to help protect prostrating themselves before giant TALKING wolves - Liam chafed uneasily at his lack of options. 'Och, lad. Ye've _much_ to learn if ye intend to make yerself useful here. Or not go completely barmy.' he thought to himself grimly. Abrutly, the surrounding temperature seemed to increase as the tension broke with the she-wolf's and Liliani's final words. Even Phae managed to unclench her ears from the back of her skull. Liam leaned back slightly, and breathed a heavy sigh of relief as first Tyden, and then Rhaine re-mounted and the group began to travel down the pathway as if little had happened - save for the addition of a few fuzzy sentinels. Pasiphae, having fallen into step beside Arieon as the moved up the path, was close enough to the cremello stallion and rider that Liam was able to address Rhaine at an easy volume. "Ye make .... interesting friends, Lady." He said as they rode, but in glancing at the woman was troubled to note the unusual pallor to her features. His brows knitted in concern and he frowned. "Are ye well, Lady? Ye've not been harmed ... ?! Should I call for a rest, or aught else?" Beneath him, Pasiphae snorted at this sudden tumbled display of distress, and had a biting quip ready to mock the man - but upon looking at the woman herself, stayed her tongue, as she noted Rhaine's complexion did look unusually pale. Footnotes: *Romantic only in theme, not in purpose - Kyn being no where NEAR an age where exploits of a more intimate nature held any sort of appeal.
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Post by angelofmusic on Mar 26, 2009 8:45:29 GMT -5
Trinity remained silent as she watched what was going on ahead of them, keeping to Aurellie's back, for now. She had never seen any wolves in Ireland, so she didn't know what they looked like, till now. Aurellie could feel Trinity's curiousity as she too kept still where she had stopped, waiting for the all clear. Now and then she shifted her stance, but didn't move yet.
"You seem curious Trinity," Aurellie soon spoke to her companion.
"I've ne'er seen a wolf b'fore t'is all," Trinity answered simply.
"Never seen a wolf? Did they not have wolves where you came from?" the mare asked and looked back to her companion.
"No. We had dogs an' if there were any wolves, I ne'er saw them, nor heard them," she said and shifted, trying to get a better look.
Trinity went more into her homeland, telling Aurellie as much as she could and answered what the mare asked as best she could. Soon she noticed the others starting off again and once more Aurellie would follow. As they passed some of the wolves, Trinity looked and couldn't help her next remark.
"They look li'e some o' the dogs back home," she said, loud enough for Aurellie to hear, though if the wolves heard, she hoped they wouldn't take it in a bad way.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 26, 2009 19:21:49 GMT -5
She saw trees only as broken bands of light and shadow as they passed, her focus drawn inward and lulled by the rhythm of Arieon’s gentle stride; he moved all the more carefully now, his full focus on his rider, though occasionally his gaze would catch one of the forest sentries as they slipped almost silently through the brush along the trial. Now and again there would be a short call, and one or another of the wolves would answer, so passed the time with an air of contentment, even eagerness at moving again, and a sense of duty renewed. He cast a look towards his brother ahead and following brightly behind the lead sentry as they began picking up the pace; he noted that Odin also had his head tilted, as if listening. Speaking to his companion, no doubt, thought Arieon attentively. The ivory stallion frowned, wondering if there was something he ought to say to Rhaine, but before he could come up with anything reasonably interesting or profound, Phae and Liam had pulled neatly alongside them.
It took a moment for Rhaine to realize Liam was talking, the words filtering through the tangled threads of half-remembered dreams. She pulled herself from them, shaking her head and a touch of colour returning to her cheeks as she spoke. “My father had a great many dogs; he kept them for hunting, and his best used to sleep in the tent along side him at night. Once, I snuck a puppy into bed with me, and oh, was mother furious when she found out! It had… chewed through her best brocade and piddled in the centre of the rug, not to mention eaten all of cured meat hung for the morrow’s meal… I… hadn’t thought about that in years,” she finished, dismissing the memory with a sigh.
Bringing her attention to Liam in full, she noticed the troubled look on his face and registered the rest of what he had said. “Oh, nay, I’m fine!” she insisted with another brisk nod of dismissal. “’Twas just a little vision, it caught me off guard, is all… no need to concern yourself, or anyone else.”
She considered the event again, and glanced to the forest, picking out the sentries that flagged them as they rode. “And look – we have made friends anew,” the smile coloured her expression further and washed the last stains of distress away. “Tis the first step, towards setting things right again.”
((Xanthe pending... yes, we definately need a Xanthe post, methinks...))
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Post by jadecorrine on Mar 28, 2009 12:07:39 GMT -5
Alcyone tramped along in a huff as Cheri snickered in her ear. Honestly, you wouldn't think one little startle would garner such mirth. She briefly wondered if a little buck might sober her rider.
"I don't mean to laugh at you, really i don't. I just have a hard time believing that's the scariest confrontation you've ever been in. You wouldn't last a week in downtown Chicago. Seriously though, if we've embarked upon some dangerous journey you're gonna need some tougher nerves."
Alcyone almost laughed aloud. That was the dandelion calling the daffodil yellow, now wasn't it? Coming from the girl who was too shy to approach the buffet table when she first found her, wringing her hands at the edge of the harvest feast. Alcyone sent her that image.
"Um, does the phrase social anxiety disorder mean anything to you?" Alcyone shook her head in a negative, ignoring the implied sarcasm. "Oh, well, i guess it wouldn't. The key word is 'social.' I may not be much of a fighter, but i'll kick some ass if i need to. At least, i'll try."
Alcyone sighed. She supposed she was a little sheltered. The girl was right. There would be more dangers on this journey than some grief-stricken forest dwellers. She glanced side-long at one of the sentries that paced near. Then again, grief could make creatures do strange things. Especially creatures with fangs like those. She surpressed a light shudder and traveled on, her step a bit gentler.
She felt Cheri nudge her in the direction of Tyden and Odin, and she oblidged. She wouldn't mind walking near such a fine stallion. When they approached Cheri addressed the man.
"Hi again. Cheri. Impressive diplomacy, by the way, but i'm not sure i followed. So, am i to understand that there's some foul beastie in the woods picking off innocents? Are we out to catch the thing before we go find the... what was it... Son of Kaedon? Because that goes against every slasher movie rule i know. I mean, not that we're walking away, i'm just curious as to what we're actually doing."
Alcyone wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to Cheri's strange pattern of speech. She made a mental note to ask her sometime what the "slasher movie rules" were.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 29, 2009 20:52:23 GMT -5
Tyden turned as the sound of Alcyone’s hooves drew near, dipping his head to Cheri in acknowledgement. His attention broke from his own wallowing and was drawn back to the new companions, as if remembering them for the first time. A new awareness struck and he suddenly became alert to the silent concern that spread across their faces, or hushed exchanges with the unicorn; this was probably not the best introduction to Kalidore, or in particular to the other clans, and no one had taken the time to explain any of this to them. While talking wolves might be common enough here, chances are the experience was new to many of them, and probably, rather unsettling. His eyes roved over each again in turn, but it was with some relief he realized their bonded had taken the first steps in this direction, and would be there to help and guide them along the way. It was something, he realized, he probably took for granted; Odin’s resoluteness had always grounded him, a thing of welcomed familiarity whenever he returned to the isle. What then, for one not bonded…? He abruptly thought of and sought out Liam, finding him having drawn alongside Rhaine and they were talking. His gaze rested their a few moments uncommitted before turning back to Cheri in full. “Er, thanks,” he shrugged mildly at her nod to diplomacy and conversational small talk. “I… suppose, some parts of the Kalidore day-to-day might take more getting used to then others. Not that this sort of thing happens daily. Or even frequently… really, if at all… I like wolves,” he tried to sound reassuring, but decided that rambling incessantly probably wasn’t instilling confidence. He sighed, and offered a wry smile instead. “To be completely honest, I am not sure I followed all that much of it either.” He hadn’t heard of her particular Code either, but saw where the concern stemmed from and nodded receipt. Odin had filled him on Falling Star’s concerns, and while he felt it was something best held from the group (at least, until proven) he saw Cheri as an ally, so the information could be pertinent to her. And yet… was it a fair burden? He chose his words. “There is… something… amiss in the woods,” he began quietly, noting the ears on one of the following wolves flick as he spoke. “One of our sisters went missing – little Acheflow’s mother – and a unicorn does not simply leave her young korè; coupled with what has happened to the wolves, there are… concerns. To ignore it would be foolish, but truthfully, we have no clue what we’re up against and to blunder forth blindly would be equally unwise.” He regarded her carefully, measuring her reaction as he spoke. He had no real expectations of her combat skills, only that if she was willing and eager, he wouldn’t patronize. Tyden continued, “I am unconvinced that Ulysses’ arrival on the isle now is coincidental, and since that is the direction we have been pointed in, we will follow through. Perhaps finding the first will help resolve the other; at least, we can hope.” What he didn’t say, and hadn’t even let the notion grow firm enough in his mind that it might reach Odin, yet at the same it pressed even though he knew, truly, it made no sense: What if Ulysses’ arrival was not so much a kin to the events as they were the cause? * * *
Xanthe had stood watched the wolves with wide-eyed wonderment. She'd never seen one this close before, and the distress of the animals alarmed her into silence alongside Kyn. Her eyes darted back and forth as Vora and Tayo spoke, feeling her hair prickle at their tale.... a beast, loose in the woods? that was... eating people? She found her self taking a few small steps towards her mother unaware, her imagination flying out over the forest and discovering potential in each nook and fleeting shadow. When it was over, and the wolves dispersed, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her ears twitched as she watched the few sentries fall in step beside them, some pausing to sniff causally at the unicorns as they passed, and she considering them in turn curiously. Rhaine's conversation with Tali had fascinated her, and questions she could ask a wolf were starting to bubble away her reservations about the animals. As Muse moved off towards Gypsy, she turned to find Kyn again. "I wonder what it's like to be a Forest Sentry," she thought out loud. Tali was following alongside Areion, and she figured if she was going to ask a wolf anything, it would be one whom had allready been befriended. And then Phae pulled up with Liam, and Liam began talking to Rhaine, and that plan was quickly quelled of interest. Xanthe frowned, mostly because of how oblivious poor Phae was. I must... rescue her, she thought determinedly. She realized however, if she was going to do that, she was going to have to polish up on her spell scrolls. She had, on good word to her mother, asked Lana to pack a few books into her packs, but on reflection she wasn't sure how spells about remotely lightly moon orbs or dispersing urdvoggens were really going to be of much use to her now. Useful magic, it seemed, was hard to come by...
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Post by varuna on Mar 30, 2009 1:33:12 GMT -5
Thora had noted the sudden stillness of her companion, and rider, though thought little of it and continued on talking about the weather in the skylands and how it might match Bryn’s ideal comfort in atmosphere-- a bit more than the lower lands, at least.
Brynja, however, had been pulled out of the conversation and fastened her eyes upon the leaders of the group. At first, it had been an idle curiosity… to look and see, but quickly developed into concern and had her constant smile and good humor fading into cold calculation as she caught the threatening words of greeting on the downwind and found their creator.
Instinctively her hand touched the nearest weapon on her person, the sword’s pommel palmed, and fingers curling around the hilt in a tight grip. Wolves. She had been pitted against wolves before, in the harshest of winter, when food was scarce. They could be as ruthless and cunning hunters as any Viking. One worse, where there was one--- there were likely ten more hidden and waiting. A knot had worked it’s way into her shoulders and her jaw was tight with anticipation.
But it was the howling song that filled the air that caused her to shift quickly on Thora, preparing her dismount. At the moment that Brynja meant to slip from the star-dappled mare’s back, the mare herself perceived Bryn’s intentions and dodged herself. Though this quick drift to keep her rider on her back conveniently, and very humorously for those were watching, the other way entirely--- backwards even.
So with a sudden quiet yelp and a flailing of arms, the little Viking landed with a surprisingly heavy thud upon the ground below.
Within Brynja’s mind, she heard the gray unicorn gasp as she turned quickly and doubled back to her. Both brown and blue eyes were leveled on Thora and lips were thin.
“Are you all right, little Brynja?” There was a strained seriousness in the mare’s eyes and on her voice, as if at any moment there might be laughter. When Bryn chose to remain silent, and on the ground in silence, Thora couldn’t contain the laughter anymore. She did not belt out a bellowing of amusement, though, and settled for a soft chuckle. “Come now, I only wanted to keep you from rushing off into a precarious situation, Brynja, and possibly making it worse.”
It seemed to Brynja herself that she had developed a rather healthy, or unhealthy if you asked her personal opinion, skill for drawing misadventure. Apparently it was that the little luck she might have possessed, if any, had been in her favor when she chose the back, and it was unlikely that anyone had caught her latest instance in her quickly accumulating string of misfortune.
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Post by silentmoon on Mar 30, 2009 21:04:16 GMT -5
When they started moving again, Fiera seemed to fall into a smooth walk, her bodice less tense. Her mood lifted quite noticably too. Although her rider, Ali quirked her eyebrow, wondering if trusting the chestnut's ability to tense and relax during situations was an accurate one. They moved near the edges of the group, slowly and picking their way carefully without running into anyone else.
Particullary nearer to Odette. The beflowered unikore seemed at a rather lost for words. And poor thing seemed frightened beyond belief, despite her size. Her movement was alot more stiff in her walk than the normal cluts she was.
"Pampered..." Fiera sighed mentally before reaching the other unicorn's mind, "Child, loosen up. Talk to one of the sentries, I bet they'd make such a great conversation with you. This IS why you decided to come after all, wasn't it?"
Odette gulped rather loudly, then nodded, mane staying smooth against her side. She sidled closer, keeping a good 3 feet apart from a rather large wolf. She didn't know his name, maybe it was Tayo, but she didn't get a good look at him from her earlier standing place. Plus he didn't look like he'd bite... atleast not from their earlier confrontation.
Quietly, she spoke with an edge of nerviosnous paling her voice. "So about... how long... I'm Odette. Greetings to you, erm..." Trailing off to hint that she was unsure about names. Or salutations in general. "...What is this... what kind of events have transpire?" The unikore mare felt like chewing on her lower lip, or biting her tongue back for such a plain question. But neither action seemed right for the occation; if she was to prove herself in Fiera's eyes.
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Post by geob on Mar 31, 2009 12:05:05 GMT -5
Luminista was glad to be moving again. Somehow this encounter with the wolves made the restlessness she had been experiencing of late seem more urgent. Move. We must move. Forward. Go. The chorus repeated itself in her inner-most being. While she did not understand it she was still driven more and more to obey. Warily she eyed the dust-colored wolf that still ranged along side. She felt the need to break the ice and start a dialogue with the beast, but try as she might she couldn't come up with anything to say. Beautiful weather we're having just didn't seem to cut it. Foehn Miri and Tein Mu moved easily together along the trail discussing the lupin encounter and how unusual such and encounter was. As Luminista listened inspiration struck. Clearing her throat she addressed the wolf, "Since it seems we will be traveling together for a time perhaps it would be appropriate to introduce ourselves. My name is Luminista. The two behind me are Foehn Miri and Tein Mu." The other two nodded in turn as the wolf's gaze rested on each. An abrupt "Greetings" was his only reply, but he continued to keep pace with the three which Luminista decided to take as encouragement. "Do you think it will take long to find what is causing such a disturbance?" she asked in a further attempt at conversation. The dusty fellow didn't even glance at her but continued to pace them with eyes forward. Luminista's temper was sparked. Without ever missing a step in her stride she ducked her head. With her horn she caught raked a clump of fallen leaves and flicked them over at the unsociable wolf. He reflexively dodged them, but upon realizing what he had dodged turned a glare upon Luminista. This time instead of shivering in fear the red mare glared right back. Foehn Miri caught the exchange of glares and in an aside to Tien Mu softly said with a light chuckle, "Look out, here comes classic Luminista in all her glory!" "In case you missed it," she fumed, "I am trying to be sociable here since it seems we will be traveling together to some unknown amount of time. It would not hurt you to extend the same curtsey. And I heard that, Foehn Miri." She wasn't quite sure, but Luminista thought she heard a "humph" from the wolf who continued to look forward and trot steadily along. Before she could make any further moves in that direction though Foehn Miri moved forward and placed herself between Luminista and the wolf."Just let it go for now," Foehn Miri told her. "If the beast wishes to be rude, well, maybe he just doesn't know any better, bless his heart." The liver chestnut might wrap the sword of her words in velvet, but they could still cut. Sympathy had dripped from her tone as she had spoken. 'The beast' had been enough to raise his hackles, but the 'doesn't know any better' not to mention that 'bless his heart' brought him forward so he blocked the mares' progress. A growl rumbled deep in his chest as he said, "Manners I have in plenty. Who they are bestowed upon is my choice!" With that he spun around and loped forward to resume his place in the van. The three mares exchanged a look and a chuckle then continued on their way with the group, all of them content since they had gotten 'The Beast' to speak more that one word. ((all that and he still doesn't have a name ))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 31, 2009 13:28:47 GMT -5
The large wolf cocked its head, pale yellow eyes regarding the beflowered unicorn sidelong. She – for yes, it was a she, Odette’s inexperienced appraisal aside – was a younger wolf, and the responsibility of being a sentry was something she relished and took seriously; at the same time… Her eyes flitted over the traveling party and came back to the unicorn again, her nose wrinkling with curiosity. “Greetings, daughter of Kal, I am called Oro. We should not to speak of Ag’anae’s flight, lest we lure him upon us,” her eyes darted skyward briefly, then back to the unicorn. “But fear not, we will keep him from your heels so long as you are in the woods. We sentries promise that.” She licked her lips with satisfaction, as if the idea of a challenge captivated her, and turned her eyes forward again. But eventually her focus trailed back to Odette, considering the mare’s headdress and glancing towards Fiera and Ali just beyond. “If you don’t… mind my asking,” she began carefully. “Why do you unicorns adorn yourselves with flowers… and jewels? Must be… so very cumbersome. And… the Companions – to cover their whole body in… colourful… wraps,” she struggled, at a loss for words. “It just seems… uncomfortable.” Oro shrugged. ((I didn't know what colour Odette was, so went with pink. Lemmie know if you want that changed ))
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Post by Admin on Apr 3, 2009 15:49:43 GMT -5
Lilaini had never known how to accept compliments. Generally, she would brush them off with a sarcastic comment but when the compliment came from The Daiga, this just did not seem appropriate, even to her. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she could feel the same sentiments emanating from the mare she was riding and she quickly looked away from the two of them. Until then she hadn’t realized how nervous she had been, but now she felt a wave of concern wash over her. This expedition was going to be much more involved then they had originally planned. She sighed quietly and tangled her fingers into Gypsy’s mane as she thought.
Gypsy was amused by her companion’s reaction but did not bother her further. Instead, she turned to her golden sister and smiled warmly. It seemed like ages since they had had time to speak to one another.
“So you are sure you don’t plan on joining our expedition? By the sounds of it, it’s going to be quite the adventure. We have hardly even embarked and look what has already happened.” The bronze mare had a bemused look in her eye as she realized the truth behind her words, and she wondered just how much trouble Muse’s would manage to get herself into this time.
Arieon relaxed as Rhaine and Liam began to converse. He continued walking at what seemed an extraordinarily slow pace behind his brother, but he paid special attention not to jostle the young woman on his back. This having a rider business certainly did seem to require a lot of attention. He wondered if it began more second nature the longer you did it, or if all the unicorns had to pay this much attention to where they were placing their feet. This was somewhat exaggerated in his mind, because even as far as unicorns went, Arieon had an extremely smooth stride which allowed him to move gracefully. But he was still concerned he was making Rhaine uncomfortable.
The cremello stallion had been paying so much attention to the way he was carrying himself that he had forgotten the mare who was walking next to him. He glanced at her from underneath his forelock, which had fallen over his eye, and noticed she looked rather annoyed. He mulled over why this could possibly be, but abandoned that quickly as he had never been very good at understanding what others were thinking. There had been some intention in his mind to speak to one of the mares on the other side of him but they seemed engaged at the moment, so despite the air of irritation that radiated from the bay mare next to him he turned to her and spoke in his most annoyingly enticing voice.
“So, is it by chance that I find you here next me again? Or, perhaps Kal is favouring me again today with your company, although I’m not sure what I have done to deserve a boon such as that.”
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