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Post by silentmoon on Aug 8, 2008 19:17:12 GMT -5
Fiera nodded, relief rushed through her at Tyden's reply. For a moment, all was quite while she pondered about this conpion. Would this human be shy or outgoing? Would this human be tall or short? Not like it matter much, all humans looked the same aside from the some of their physical differences. Fiera snapped out of her mind to answer Tyden. "I have a feeling towards the south... east. Do not ask me specifically where, but it looks like somewhere on the outskirts of human civilization. In an earthy area and as for how far it is-" Fiera shook her orange mane is dismay, "I don't think we'll make it on foot on time to make it back in the mourning."
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 9, 2008 1:16:49 GMT -5
"I don't think I could keep up with you anyway if we tried that," Tyden remarked dryly as they pulled up to a halt. "At this point, I think it'd be easier if we found that Gate." He caught hold of Feira's mane as he caught his wind, and stayed there for a few moments just breathing. His side stitched slightly but was nothing compared to the rib earlier; he had forgotten how skilled a healer Rhiane was, and how profound was her touch. When he straighten, his focus returned and was unwavering. He closed his eyes for a moment, briefly, letting his senses flow through the land around them, feeling the subtle ebb and flow of latent magic, very old and very deep, undisturbed and sleeping. How many centuries had it lain here untapped? It surprised him, actually; he had known that Earth had turned away from the Old Ways, but he had never imagined it to this extent. It was stubborn now, unyielding, and skirted from his inquiry like restless birds. It could evade him, this old magic, but it could not hide. Eyes opened, his gaze was drawn to a point at the end of his field of view, a rocky outcrop that sprung from the brittle earth. Here, sheltered from the harshest weather a clump of trees had taken root centuries ago and grown strong. Their bark was coarse, branches thick and stubbed with short, spiky plumes bursting at conclusion. Some called them Joshua Trees, some said they were sacred. To the people of Kalidore all trees were, for they transcended the ages and stored the old stories deep within the rings of their being. Their roots reached down deep, tapping the soul-waters of the earth, while weathered arms reached upwards as if to gap the distance to the stars. They were noble creatures, trees, and where they stood, so stood magic strong. They were also the most probable location to find naturally occurring temporal portals. If there was any place that Tyden could convince a Gate to open for them, it was here. He may not have been a Guardian in title, but his powers - even in their weakened state - were keen and true. He addressed the grove's magic plainly. He whispered to it, gently, like dawn seducing the sun to rise, and it responded, just as softly, with a barely detectable shiver of its own. Encouraged, he urged it more firmly this time, the way spring awakes the ground after winter's reign with with tales of former glory in years gone passed. And the Gate blossomed, bloomed, coming alive with every subtle colour and hue, before taking on an appearance of material contentedness. "What do you think?" he siad.
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Post by Delicious on Aug 9, 2008 1:35:16 GMT -5
((No running away just yet you two! Writing up a post as we speak - couldn't sleep, it was bugging me so, hehe.))
Spirit roused out of her fitful dreaming at the sound of Tyden's and Fiera's movements out into the surrounding brush. Her head still muzzy from sleep, she shook her mane as she arched her neck, pricking her ears in the direction of their leave-taking.
The night wind wafted fading snippets of their conversation, and at she caught mentions of companions and leaving and ... Gates ...?! The mere mention of the latter caused a spike of adrenaline to course through her system, finally bringing her to full consciousness with a snap. Leaving ... so soon? And by Gate? Alone? She shivered at the prospect - still unnerved by the morning's travel, and did not relish the thought of further use of (what she considered) a fairly violent means of travel. But to go off alone ... ! Her unease at the notion grew, and she stamped a hoof in frusteration. Better they go as a group - even if she was sure that, in a magical pinch, she had little to offer in the ways of expertise or ability.
She turned towards Pasiphaë who dozed beside her - apparently oblivious to all but her dreams. Spirit, nudging the mare softly with her muzzle, whickered quietly. "'Phaë, wake up! We have to go!"
Pasiphaë's shoulder twitched where Spirit's nose touched her, but otherwise remained inert. Spirit huffed, and shoved a bit harder, and hissed again. "'Phaë!"
This time, Pasiphaë roused just long enough to crack open a red-rimmed eye and glanced at Spirit exhaustedly before closing it again. "Go 'way, Spirit . I dun' want to talk 'nymore...jus' wanna sleep...." she mummured, her voice trailing off into a slight snore.
Spirit , awake and annoyed, huffed in frusteration. Pasiphaë had been unusually stubborn since they had arrived, and had (rather clumsily) been avoiding all of Spirit's attempted probes to find out what was troubling her - instead of actually ADMITTING there was something wrong, she had either avoided Spirit completely, or talked Spirit's (or any surrounding person or mare) ear off about any and every sort of inconsequential nonsense. (How someone could talk for two hours straight about the exact shade of dirt here, and how it compared to the dirt in Kalidore was mind boggling to her - had Spirit not actually been a living witness, she would have discounted the idea as complete folly.)
Spirit gritted her teeth, and frusteratedly looked in the direction that Tyden and Fiera had left. She was convinced that she couldn't afford to wait any longer, not and make it to them before they gallavanted off across the cosmos through a Gate. "Fine then." she snorted. Hopefully she'd be back before 'Phaë even noticed she was gone, but if not ... "Well, at least she won't have to work so hard at avoiding me." she sighed.
"Alright, no second thoughts - time to move!" She turned, and headed out into the night at a brisk trot - steeling herself at the thought of rushing headlong through another Gate, and hoping (if a bit morosely) that she hadn't missed them leaving quite yet.
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 9, 2008 8:42:58 GMT -5
((*sporfles* Yeah, nothing like a midnight adventure sneaking off into another gate XD)) Fiera ingnored Tyden's remark but payed attention to his words. When he grabbed her mane, she halted without flinching or side stepping. She swung her mighty head over towards his direction, nodding. "Agreed." was all she said. The orange mare said nothing more, just watched Tyden open a gate. What turned from an unreadable expression was now unmistakable interest. She'd seen the other guardians open a Gate back on Kalidore, but was never this close to one before! "I... I think... genuis." Was all she breathed. Not only through surprise and interest, but she nudged the guardian's shoulder. "We have a follower!" Fiera's voice was no longer hard, but playful. She would have said 'free loader' but that wouldn't have been all that nice. But when Spirit passed right through the gate, Fiera hurried and shuffled in after. She ended up on the other side, where all forest was green. "Welcome aboard, though, I wouldn't have thought anyone could have heard us." She greeted Spirit with a delightful pawing of the ground and bright, burning eyes.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 9, 2008 14:15:05 GMT -5
((weee! more people! heheh.... and one more...))"Wait!" came a cry from the edge of darkness, and the small group turned to see Xanthe burst from the mess of tumbleweed and scramble towards them. She came to sliding stop between Fiera and Spirit, her head hanging slightly to avoid Tyden's gaze. "I'm really sorry about the Gate before... I didn't know what it would do. But... I'd really like come with you. And, I can help! I'm good at finding things, too - and, and... Mother says I'm incorrigible... that means brave, right? So you know I won't let you down... Though, I'd understand if you sent you me home," she peered up at them hopefully, her ears akimbo like a newborn Kore. Tyden glanced between the two mares and back again. He turned slowly, hand resting on his chin as if he was in deep thought. "Welll..." he began "I suppose that would depend on a few things." (he saw the Kore wince here, and worked to keep a serious face) "First, if you're coming with us, you will have to stick close - no more flying through Gates unexpectedly, or wandering through the night by yourself; as much as I enjoy the element of surprise, you're heavy, and I'd rather not have to rescue you again if I can help it. Second, you will need to ask as many questions about every possible. That way, we'll know where you are at all times. And thirdly," he said most seriously of all, "you must continue to be just as incorrigible as you can. Think you can handle that?" Xanthe remained frozen, digesting the list. She heard one of the mares snicker, or maybe sneeze. Carefully, she looked up at Tyden in full. He kept his lips tight but his eyes were laughing. And not *at* her, in the way some grown ups did, even if they tried not to let her see. She felt herself melt in place, for she had been pardoned - and the relief was enough to make her spring into the air and run in circles bucking and springing in delight! But she managed to stay perfectly still, and answered very primly, "I'll do my best." There was laughter in earnest and Xanthe felt a chummily bump on either side. Tyden gave her poll a quick scratch and tussled her forelock. "Welcome aboard." With that he turned back to the Gate and whispered some final words to coax it into full being. Rooted deep by the Joshua Trees, it would wait here for them. It shimmered slightly as if in moonlight, though it was still too early for the moon. "Let's go quickly," he said.
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Ember
New Member
Posts: 22
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Post by Ember on Aug 10, 2008 13:16:23 GMT -5
((*bows many times* Sorry for my late reply. I'm finding my muse being rather stubborn lately. Here's my reply, although I am a bit lost. )) It was now much later than the original jump through the portal and the meeting of Raven. Meadow Song had watched in amazement as the first of the unicorn herd found their companion, their other half so to speak. She sighed wistfully, hardly being able to wait until she'd be able to forge the same connection with her companion. her thoughts were interrupted by the Guardian's companion, Gypsy. She had seen the mare talking with her daughter earlier. She smiled and replied, "It's very different from our home of Kalidore, but not so unpleasant I suppose. And what do--" She rolled her eyes as a small voice below her cut her off. The young Kore was just barely asleep, the sound of voices above her making her stir in her sleep. Both were voices she recognized. Blinking blearily she awoke to find her mother and Gypsy conversing. She smiled brightly and made her presence known, not noticing that she was interrupting Meadow Song. " Gypsy! Hello! Did you see that other unicorn (she didn't know her name yet) find her companion earlier? Wasn't it so awesome!? Where's mine? I want to find mine now more than ever!" For a unicorn that had just been asleep, she was amazingly full of energy. While Aquila talked to Gypsy, Meadow Song noticed that some unicorns seemed to be wandering off. She watched curiously, because she knew that both of the Guardians were surely still in the house...weren't they? She gently nudged her foal to quiet down. Once she did Meadow Song looked to Gypsy. "I hate to ruin this conversation, but where is everyone else going?" She asked the mare, quite perplexed.
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Post by Delicious on Aug 11, 2008 17:05:01 GMT -5
<slight flash-back>
Spirit - having seen the Gate shimmering transluscently in the distance - had turned up the speed, convinced that the duo all but left already. As she neared the gate, she shut her eyes, willing herself not to think about the actuality of traveling through the Gate - it wasn't 'til she felt her hooves sinking into soft grass and loam that she let herself crack open an eye to peek at her surroundings.
Behind her a amused snicker made her start - and she whirled around to find the Gate still open, and Fiera and Tyden staring at her, both still definitely on the other side. Spirit, ducking her head, smiled a bit abashedly at Fiera as the coppery mare crossed over and into the lush greenery (How she managed to cross with such aplomb and self-possession, as if she were totally unaffected by the fact that she was crossing through a GATE spanning time, or worlds or whatnot, was extremely impressive for Spirit. She had no idea how she managed it).
She had just opened her mouth to attempt to explain her presence when Xanthe suddently appeared out of nowhere...! Apparently the feisty Kore was fairly determined to accompany the party - Spirit, while mildly uneasy at the prospect, could scarely object - seeing as her own premise for accompanying them was founded on the idea that a larger party was to be preferred when venturing out in the unknown.
However, at Tyden's deft handling of situation - she breathed easier - and even had to choke down a amused snicker herself at his list of "requirements".
< updated to present time >
"Oh yes, quickly please." Spirit replied to Tyden. "Although - where are we going exactly? Can't say this place doesn't exactly have massive perks compared to THAT... " Spirit nodded her head at the barren wasteland they had just left, "but it would be good to know that there is a definite destination in mind."
< meanwhile ... back @ the ... ranch?>
Pasiphaë continues to snore ... blissfully unaware that she has been abandoned by all the small knot of her previous travelling companions.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 11, 2008 19:50:19 GMT -5
Tyden chivalrously stepped aside to let the others pass before him into the portal, so he could guard its stability until they were all through. "We definitely have a destination," he assured Spirit gamely. "Though it's Fiera who can tell you all about it," he gave the copper mare a wink. "I don't care where we go," Xanthe spoke blithely. "If we're going on a companion quest, we'd go wherever we had to go, wouldn't we? No matter how treacherous or terrible, we'd go to the ends of the earth, nay, the universe!" her eyes grew bright and star-filled. "Just like in the Old Tales, when Kala first sought her Companion, and brought the Daiga to us." "I don't think it would be quite as difficult as all that," Tyden gave her rump a pat as she went by. "At least, I'm hoping as much...." He shook his head, watching the last sweep of their tails disappear through shimmer, and stepped in after them.
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 11, 2008 20:17:35 GMT -5
Fiera could hear Xanthe's voice on the other side of the Gate... then something about Tyden laying down strict rules and requirements for her safety. Amused and about to burst out in giggles, the orange mare turned her head away, trying hard to surpress her laughter. But it was just so darn funny! Once Fiera calmed down enough to look at the others without laughing, she made an aproach to the Gate and waited for both of them to cross over. "I should be surprised that you've decided to tag along and not a good thing if the Guardians or others found out..." She trailed off, apparently shaking her head in disbelief before her eye glinted, "But hey, oh well." Fiera went over to Spirit's side with quiet and quick steps. "That barren wasteland is what we will have to return to the mourning. I just hope it's not as hot in the mourning!" Dislike colored her voice, the thought made her shiver at the thought. Even when the thought was about heat - strange. "C'mon guys. Time to go." She urged the rest quietly, feeling a strange tug at her chest - now stronger than ever. Fiera made small quick steps away from the gate. Apparently, she was a bit impatient. ---------Meanwhile------- Silent shivered, something felt different. As if some godly world air graced itself over Earth's mists. She couldn't explain the feeling, so her mind imidietly snapped out of her thoughts. Maybe it was wild carnivorious animal out their in the dark? It was most unlikely since there were no wild animals here except squirels, rabbits and deer. Maybe an occasional owl that prowled the night, but those wouldn't have made her feel... so open, strange. She shook off the thoughts as nonscense, before returning back into the stars and the fantasy world of her mind.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 11, 2008 20:59:57 GMT -5
The air was instantly changed. That was the first thing Xanthe noticed, now having to the time to savor her experience through the gate, and taking in everything with great detail. The sensation of walking through the gate was not exactly unpleasant, but it sent your senses into a bit of a spin. Motes of energy clung to their fur like dew before evaporating as soon as they had stepped clear of the threshold, and the world focused again, as if one had been looking at it through a mist. Xanthe struck the turf with hoof, as if testing it, and it gave to her advance, for the ground here was surprisingly rich and loamy. Much like the forests on Kalidore, the Kore realized, and began gazing around at the forest in earnest. Wild and grown, it did remind her of home, but it was still... just a bit different. Of the desert, there was no sign, save for a few grains of sand that still clung to her person. Here, twilight still lingered in the sky too, and smudged it the darkest shade of indigo; it was at least an hour earlier then on the other side of the portal. "Where are we?" she asked. "Do we get to find a Companion now?" Instantly her attention was drawn to a noise to her left, and she turned abruptly to notice a path ran along side the thicket they had emerged in. The path was hard and packed - a great road? she wondered - for it was more worn then any she had seen. It was just wide enough to allow a pair of unicorns to jog comfortably side by side. It meandered through the trees and disappeared down a small embankment. From below, she her the sound again. Footfalls. **Someone's coming!**
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Post by Delicious on Aug 12, 2008 3:22:00 GMT -5
((Gorgeous description LW! Absolutely decadent!)) ((Look ma, I finally remembered to use the lil' portrait! Hehe.)) Spirit smiled wanly at the mention of the Guardian's possible disapproval. "It's true, I suppose - but I just ... couldn't let you leave on your own. Goodness only knows what could happen through those Gate's, and ... well ... I'll shoulder my part of the blame if it comes." she finished, nodding decisively. "As for returning in the morning..." she looked around at the dense forest, closed her eyes and breathed deep - savouring the heady green scent of it all. "Well, even a night in this place and away from that dry scrub-land is worth a thousand tongue-lashings from ANY Guardian!" She chuckled slightly, and finally started to relax - finally at ease with her surroundings now that she was away from the dry and dusty desert, and all had crossed (and closed) the Gate without incident. However, at Xanthe's unexpected shift in focus, Spirit tensed and turned as well, and as her ears pricked towards the path she caught the unmistakable sound of movement. "There's something OUT there..." she hissed at Tyden. Whatever it was - it didn't SOUND big - but goodness knows what sort creatures could inhabit this place - wherever they were. She kept her eyes warily on the path, tense and unsure of what to do ...
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 12, 2008 14:33:38 GMT -5
((aww, thanks, Del... sometimes I have my moments )) Last through the gate, Tyden brushed aside Spirit's worries casually, and paused only to see the shimmering close with a gentle sigh behind them. He held out his hand and could still sense it, even though it was closed, and nodded with satisfaction. "Don't worry about the Guardians," he addressed the golden bay. "The only one they might find fault in is me, for leading you this far away. They can't chasten you for doing what we came here to do.... though I suppose our methods are a bit... unorthodox..." Xanthe's sudden thought broadcast interrupted his thoughts, followed by Spirit's concurrence. He chided himself for not having been more alert, coming right out of the gate and into a strange land. "Stay back," he whispered to the others, "they might not know of unicorns here. Best I address them first..." That, and he knew the guardians would kill him, if something befell his green companions. Not that he would have let anything happen to them himself. He gazed into the twilight, trying to make out the shape from shadows. "Who goes there?" he asked. "Are you friend or foe?"
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 12, 2008 17:35:24 GMT -5
Fiera wasn't as cautious as the others, she didn't know why. This puzzled her to no extent, though she didn't voice her worries. There was something out their and no one was going to risk anything. The orange mare stood ready to run if they had too, her muscles flexed if anything sudden were to happen. Silent, this time, heard talking. What the...?? She could have sworn that no one had followed her! Everyone was asleep and no one lived near the house. Maybe they were bad people... no, impossible. She knew these woods by heart and if they did turn out that way, she would run for her life. In the split second to make her thought, Silent got up, slowly brushed the dirt off her pants and slowly walked to the voices. Being quiet was a challenged at night, twigs snapped her and there which made her cringe. It would give her away! In the short distance, she spotted a few blurs of color. It was hard to make out in the thicket of the dark. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be... horses? No wait... something was different about them, something that kept her in awe. She couldn't fight the urge to stay hidden behind a tree, it was to strange and calling! Slowly, Silent threw her hands up and stepped out from behind the tree. "Friend... but... but what about you?" Her voice wavered at the male's question, afraid of impending doom for herself. But she couldn't help but challenge him quietly. Fiera suddenly felt different. She was slowly realizing something but before anyone got hurt, "Wait Tyden! Don't do anything dumb, let me get a closer look at this... human." Her voice was soft - low, but loud enough to travel to everyone's ear. She approached the human, flaring her nose and ears pricked delicately forward. Silent gasped, the mare looked like she was dancing! It was beyond this world, and when Fiera came to inspect her, she couldn't breathe nor could she blink. The mare smelled her from head to toe, before nipping the young girl's hair. "My heart is at ease..." Fiera whispered into the little girls ear, even nuzzling it a bit. Something clicked in Silent's head. Something she should have noticed before! This... this... being was a unicorn. Her mind raced, the days torture and embarrassment seemed to have melted away. It was nothing now but a mere mere memory. With her hands still up, she slowly rapped it around the unicorn's great silky neck, afraid of anything, it would scare this beautiful creature away. Feira didn't move a muscle, she was stone still. A very warm stone at that.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 12, 2008 22:31:16 GMT -5
Xanthe's nose quivered. She eyed the strange girl with interest, and didn't realize she'd crept forward until she was nearly within shadow's fall. There she stopped respectfully, watching with awe as companion met companion for the first time. Around them the air danced, fragrant with the light scent of magic, like air charged before a storm; this magic was something that had always been a part of the two, but it seemed that only in their coming together did it truly become known. The golden Kore watched in total fascination, eager to see and learn everything she could. While she didn't feel within herself the same "draw" that some of the others felt on this journey, the idea of a companion intrigued her all the same. It seemed like a pretty good deal, the kind of thing a unicorn would like to have. After all, her mothers' companion Rhaine she'd known her whole life, and very much liked the Guardian's company and guidance. Maybe she could ask Rhaine to be her companion too, she thought cheerfully. Filled with ideas, she bounded back to Spirit and Tyden, butting the former playfully with her still-dull weanling horn. "Is Fiera's companion going to come back with us to Kalidore?" Tyden smiled at the foal's enthusiasm. "I guess that would be up to h--" but before he could finish, the golden dun had bounded back to the pair with gusto. "Are you coming?" she asked brightly. "Because I think you would like it there - and we have forests, just like this one, not like that desert place where the others are right now... and I can't wait to tell the others!" "Soothe, Xanthe," Tyden laughed, "let the poor girl be... I think we've given her a turn enough as it is...."
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Post by Delicious on Aug 13, 2008 3:38:24 GMT -5
Spirit eased slightly at the sound of a girl's voice that called out in reply to Tyden's query, but it wasn't until the girl finally stepped out from under the shadows of the old fir, the she finally allowed herself a heavy sigh of relief. Spirit stayed put as the girl moved closer, not wanting to make any sudden movements that might startle the poor thing further. Instead she shifted only slightly, using the movement to let her muscles relax a bit. And then - wonderously, she watched as Fiera approached the young girl slowly - but without caution or hesistation - as if she no more aware of her forward movements than of her continued breathing. It was instinctual, and inescapable. Spirit found herself holding her breath as she watched Fiera snuff at the girl's clothes and hair, almost crying out with joy when the mare finally lipped at girl's hair spurring her on to lean into an embrace, burying her face against the velveted neck. Spirit was soon startled out the watched reverie by Xanthe's frolicking and questions. Oh yes, there was no question in her mind that the two before her belonged togther ... and yet ... she stepped a closer to Tyden, and pitched her voice low, not to meaning it to carry to the boisterous Kore, or the clearly enraptured duo. "She is not ... very young, is she, Tyden?" Spirit pricked her ears towards the girl and tried to make out her age - but, having little experience with humans besides the Guardians, found it very difficult to hazard a guess. Ordinarily, she would not have questioned the addition to their party - and yet, the idea of stealing away so late in the night with some human mother's 'Kore' unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. Possibly it was wrapped up in her own recent awaked longings for motherhood that, as of yet, been unfulfilled.* She looked towards Tyden, hoping for a reply to set her mind at ease. ((*No taking this as a side comment at trying for another breeding season, y'all - honestly just saw it as part of her. XD Also silentmoon, what's the color we should be using for Silent, by the by? Any preferences? ))
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 13, 2008 18:37:59 GMT -5
((Heehee - I just realized something. My other rp post was almost incoherent because I was sleepy and rushed *sheepish smile* You can pick any color that's available, I'm not picky ^^)) Fiera opened her eyes and nudged her new companion softly. Before wriggling out of her embrace to answer Xanthe. "Maybe, I would really dislike staying here on Earth... no offence." She directed the end of her opinion to Silent, who still kept an arm around her velvety orange neck. The girl nodded, what looked like a dazed out expression which was really shock. They can talk, she was thinking to herself. This was all so strange! So new, put she refused to give it up. Silent laughed tiredly, it was getting somewhat late, she had no idea what to do. "Um, I guess. But... what about everyone else? What will they think?" She laughed shyly, her voice low and innocent. "I mean, my family and school and..." She was waving her hand around, emphasizing what she'd leave behind, "you get the point." ((Sorry for such a short reply. Teachers dumped a load of work on me today, and I need to get it done asap x.x))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 13, 2008 23:09:42 GMT -5
"She is young," Tyden whispered quietly, his eye meeting Spirit's were distant and deep. "But we were all young once..." Xanthe had come bouncing back to them, and he gently rested his hand on her head, feeling her settle, her excitement ebb as if borrowing some of his calmness. Leaving the two there with another weighted look, he approached the companions for the first time. "Hello," he greeted the girl."I see you have met Fiera, and that you have been expecting her for sometime. I am Tyden. I don't believe you've shared your name... I'm sure this is all very new and rather startling, and we apologize for coming upon you so suddenly. Magic works in unusual ways," he chuckled lightly, and thought he saw the girl's eyes light slightly at the mention. "I will do my best to answer any questions you might have, but I'll tell you a bit about ourselves, as is only fair. "We come from just beyond your world, through the mists as they say, a place called Kalidore. It is the home of the Unicorns - and a few of us Companions, too. You see, it happens, every now and then, that a unicorn finds herself drawn to a particular person from the world beyond... and it is said, that when Unicorn and Human Companion come together that the great potential of the universe can be unlocked between them. It is because of this potential that ancient wars were fought, won, and lost. It is for that reason that we're here, that Fiera was drawn to you, for the potential within you. Don't be afraid," he added quickly, "for Kala will see that one never has use of more power then they can handle, and your Fiera will be your constant companion in the quest. But I would be very surprised if you were completely unaware of the stirrings within your own self," he grinned. "I won't lie to you," he continued, sobering. "I don't pretend to know what may be in store for you; Fate can be cruel and her methods indecipherable, and being a companion is not without its price. Many have suffered heavily," he voice grew quiet. "What I can assure you is that through the Gate, I can bring you back before we even leave, and your family will not be left to worry. But, I cannot guarantee it is the same person I am bringing back to them..." he looked seriously into the girl's wide eyes.
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 15, 2008 17:07:35 GMT -5
Silent was hesitant for a second, her uneasiness easily vibrating and sent through Fiera who felt it too. Though, she only wore a contented look on her long, delicate face. To ease her new companion's fears, the mare nuded the human a little. Taking a deep breathe, she said softly, "Ofcourse..... you can call me... Silent, but my real name is Michelle." She quickly added in. It was a strange name, for one to call another Silent but in this new world, that name didn't seem unusual. The girl stood quietly, her eyes growing wide while she fought the urge to add in small comments here and there. It was hard to digest what Tyden was saying. Really. How was it that this... fantasy had come true for her? Everyone always thought things like this were just fairytale stuff. Thing made up to make the time go by quicker. Disapointment and uneasiness crossed her face. She couldn't get her final words out, maybe hoping that Fiera was able to do so. "Indeed. Fate is a cruel things sometimes. But don't worry, I'll find a way for you to visit every month or year or so." Fiera said, after a few moments of thinking. Turning back to Tyden, she said, "I don't think it's quite possible though. It would be almost disasterous to open so many gates in one year. But we can try. Anyhow, the girl is probably fine coming with us. I don't think you'll miss much." The mare gave a sly look. "Ok, but can I atleast leave a note? I'm bit scared actually, of what might happen when I'm gone. Plus, I don't want a huge search party and so." Silent said slowly. She was liking that idea the best so far. "Then we must return to the others." Fiera added happily.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 15, 2008 19:13:21 GMT -5
Tyden nodded to Fiera's concerns, Silent speaking through them. He did his best to put them at ease, without downplaying the seriousness of the events to follow. "It's true... you won't be able to come and go through the gates as you please, for that takes a kind of magic that is years honed, and even then, not everyone can forge them. I cannot say how long you will remain with us on Kalidore - indeed, that is partly your choice. You will not be trapped there, or held against your will. You do not need to remain there at all, if you choose. After all, Kalidore is not quite used... to human residence. We have no cities, only trees; ours is a rustic existence and free of many amenities you are used to. "And time moves somewhat differently on Kalidore as well. No matter how long you remain with us, only moments will pass away on Earth. Your life here can exists along side your life in Kalidore without others taking any notice of it at all. You will not loose age or time. However, you will change... your thoughts and ideas about the world may change very much, and you might find that things on Earth become more difficult for your having known Kalidore...." He watched her digest this all, and knew it was a lot for the girl to take in, but she needed to know. And he believed, she wanted to know. He suspected she had been, deep down within herself, awaiting Fiera as much as Fiera had been seeking her. He continued, measuredly. "As a chosen companion, you have a role to play in greater destiny. That means, when you are summoned, it is for you to answer... for if not you, then who? The universe is bigger then us all. I realize you are young, but I know that none is given this opportunity who are not ready to grasp it. "Think carefully, Silent. This is your choice, and you have been chosen. Trouble brews that larger then both our worlds, and we are all a part of it. I cannot say what darkness lies before the dawn,and I do not know when that dawn might comes. But I do know it will always come, for there are those like us who see it through to the end. "When this has passed, you will be returned to your home, your family, your world. There you remain until you are summoned again. Such is the way with companions. "If you accompany us to Kalidore, we must do so quickly, there is little time to loose. I would advice against leaving a note, because there are many here who are not ready to know of Kalidore, and who wouldn't believe you anyways. In this matter, silence is your virtue, young Silent; it is better this way." He looked at her, so small against Fiera's powerful form, and almost did pity her for what he had just presented her with. At last he spoke, "If you feel you are not ready, we will not hold it against you. If this is too much for you to bear, you know it best. "All you need to do is turn and walk back down that path, and we will be gone...."
((lol, sorry everyone... geeze, that's more of a Rhaine ramble then it is a Tyden, poor guy... but I was trying to cram as much Kalidore Companion Info in there as possible Lack of brevity to both of them, or maybe just me!))
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 16, 2008 10:27:26 GMT -5
Silent sighed, contemplating what Tyden had to say - was saying. "I don't believe that I want to stay here as much. But I think you're right and if you say that time there goes by much quicker than it does here, than I won't miss much. Or at least, Earth won't miss much." She grimaced at the thought in a low quiet voice. That was always her nature, quiet enough to think while talking. Of course, opposite to how Fiera was, somewhat loud and boisterous. In truth, Silent wasn't ready to give up Fiera yet, no matter how selfish of a gesture it was. Without quite thinking, the girl weaved her fingers through Fiera's burning orange mane. It was cool and soft as the finest silk. The orange mare stood there contently, her eyes closed and hummed peacefully. She was feeling her companions feelings and it pleased her so to have solving her restlessness. Lost within her own ancient thoughts, she really did think about the thought of staying on Earth. Though, cringed at the thought. As much as Earth was home, she would eternally miss Kalidore. "No. I won't turn back. I'll come along with you guys I want to." Silent's voice was firm, after a moment. Her decision was final, and it knocked her over for a moment before composing herself again with a small smile. "Then we must go quickly." Fiera snapped out of her thoughts, having her eyes return to Tyden.Feira took a few steps forward, physically telling everyone that she was eager to go back and show everyone her new companion.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 18, 2008 20:57:03 GMT -5
"Welcome aboard!" Xanthe exclaimed, nipping playfully at the girl's sleeve, delighted that she was coming along with them. "I think you'll have lots of fun with us, and when we get home, I can help Fiera show you around, if you'd like," she rattled on, glancing at coppery mare for approval, as if Silent were Fiera's kore. Tyden shook his head at the antics, and gave Fiera a knowing smile of his own. Then he turned back towards where Spirit was standing, just to side of the portal gate. "It's time we move along," he said, noting the girl's determination with satisfaction. He realized he'd been holding his breath, and let it out, making his way over towards Spirit. The portal was silent and nearly imperceptible, but with a soft whisper and sweep of his had he brought it back to life, like a camp fire awoken and crackling with gentle tending. "Ready to head back to the ranch?" he grinned at the wild bay mare. A final incantation and the portal was stable and full. Beyond the desert awaited in all its harsh yet strangely beautiful glory. "After you," he stepped aside, so that Spirit might lead the way.
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Post by angelofmusic on Aug 19, 2008 17:20:22 GMT -5
~Meanwhile in Ireland in the year 984~
Dawn, it had finally come and Trinity still sat upon the back of the stallion that she had 'stolen' from the thieves that tried to capture her just the night before. A steady walk was the horse's pace after he had been at a gallop through the night to carry Trinity away from the place where she had been sleeping.
"At least I'm alive," she muttered to herself and looked behind her, something she did now and then to see if the thieves had ever caught up, which they hadn't.
She continued along the dirt road, wondering where she would end up next and if there would be a place she could get a proper meal, bath, and a soft bed. She didn't regret leaving home, she was glad she had as she knew she didn't fit there. The sun began to rise as she came over a hill, looking over a peaceful valley. Pausing for just a moment, she took in the sight before her. How the hills rolled from one to another, how the green of the grass was like a gem in a facet of jewelry. With a gentle nudge to the stallion's flanks, she would continue her journey.
As the day began and morning turned to after noon, she found a stream to stop near, allowing the horse to get a drink and graze. She in the mean time took to fishing, catching three fish and cooking them up for herself. After her meal, she took out her tin whistle and began to play a bit, letting her mind wander in one of her many day dreams of unicorns and faeries.
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Post by Delicious on Aug 20, 2008 16:54:00 GMT -5
Spirit listened to Tyden's cautions with a quiet solemnity - determined to commit every detail to memory. Her experience with gates and Companions was woefully lacking, she admitted to herself with a mental sigh. All this about gates, danger and the passage of time on Kalidore... it was all so much to take in, but - and Spirit gritted her teeth - if she ever wished to have a Companion of her own, she owed it to them to know all the intracacies and responsibilities that were connected. To do less would be irresponsible - something that Spirit prided herself very much on NOT being. During the lecture, she often glanced at Silent and Fiera wistfully - it was hard not to envy the immediate connection the two obviously felt. To find someone so wholely meant for you, that nothing would deter them from staying at your side - not danger, nor strange happenings, nor even traveling through those eerie and fantastical Gates! Spirit watched the two cling to, and cuddle eachother for a moments longer before turning her attention internally. What would a Companion meant for her, be like? Her mind searched for some strange and identifying quirk in herself, in her thoughts or personality, thinking that if she found what made her unique, that perhaps it might give a clue of what complimenting feature might exist in her Companion. After a few moments, however, her first inventory of strange traits resulted in a woefully short list - and nothing that seemed to give any insight (unless it was perhaps that a perfect Companion would have slightly longer nails than usual, meant to finally put an end to that constant and irritating itch that always seemed to settle just between her withers ...). She brooded and mulled over different possibilities for several minutes, only faintly aware of Xanthe's exuberent antics. However, at Gate's sudden revival, Spirit started, jolting herself out of her internal questioning. She snorted at Tyden's side remark, and smiled wryly. "Of course. How could one NOT want to return to that warm and inviting place of sand and sun?" she shot back, her eyes sparkling with a sarcastic amusement. "And through that lovely gate of yours too, ah - what joy is ours!" she chuckled, and flicked her ears. Spirit shivered slightly, and pranced nervously in place for a moment, staring at the gate with growing trepidation. She wasn't sure what it was, but there was something about that portals worried and nagged at her. But, no matter - it was either through the portal - or staying here (as nice as it was, it was no Kalidore) alone. So - through the portal it was! She tensed, focusing on all the brilliant and good things she had waiting for her if she crossed through the Gate again: home, 'Phaë, a Companion... eventually. At the litany of reasons, she nodded once, determinedly, closed her eyes and flung herself through - landing on the other side without incident. At the feel of ground beneath her hooves again, she released a heavy sigh, and smiled to herself - opening her eyes and starting to turn around, meaning to watch the rest of the group follow her through. However, at the sight that greeted her eyes, she stood still - her joints locking up in shock. She tested the ground, gingerly, with a hoof - and snuffed at the air, certain that it was a hallucination of sorts. Why - moments before, the Gate had shown the desert, just as they had left it! And now ... now, this was DEFINITELY not desert. Warm, and dry to be sure - but divided into large pastures and long stretches of strange bushes dotted with white. Spirit whirled around to face the Gate, her eyes wide and panicked, and hoping, desperately - that the Gate was as it had been, and that it hadn't disappeared as well...! ((Apologies for the long delay in response, life has been hectic, and I've had more than a bit of writer's block in regard to the RP. XD But uhm, it seems to have it worked itself out, judging from the long missive above. So much for brevity, eh? XD)
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 20, 2008 23:31:11 GMT -5
((writer's block, huh? sure Del, sure... ))Xanthe sprung through the gate as lightly as a fawn and collided directly into Spirit's golden backside, who had stopped short just beyond the opening. She landed with an audible "oouff!" and sat down hard. "Could have warned me," she grumbled, blowing the mare's long black tail out from her eyes as she began to untangle one limb from another. "I thought you were happy to be headed back--" and she champed down on her words as the hair fell entirely from her face and the world unfolded around her. Even from her vantage between the mare's legs she could see she was no longer in the forest, but she wasn't in the desert, either - wide, grassy fields rolled right up across the horizon to meet her. "What did you do, Spirit?" she breathed in wonderment. A step behind, Tyden pulled up and nearly tripped as he went to grab the edge of the portal instinctively to stop his forward momentum; despite its fantastic abilities, the Gate remained a thing of little actual substance, and the shimmering ripple only skirted through his fingers. His first reaction was surprise, which slowly settled into shock, and fluttered around his chest before sinking into the pit of stomach as dread. This isn't right, he thought in stupor. This shouldn't happen... He'd always been good at coaxing Gates open - the Daiga had said so, and the Daiga wasn't loose with her compliments. And Odin had watched over him while he'd practiced as a youth, summoning the magic and peering through each opened window into other places and time with flawless precision. Always where his intention went, so had the Gate followed... "I... I don't understand," he stammered. "It was right here - the desert - I saw it before we stepped through..."
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Post by Delicious on Aug 21, 2008 16:21:34 GMT -5
((Yes! Writer's block! D: Apparently it all came out in a rush tho - it just took 3 days to get around to it. Silly brain of mine! Also - as proof, I offer ze SHORTEST POST EVAR: )) Spirit stared out over the rolling fields - her mouth opening and closing, yet still seemingly unable to speak. She turned her head towards Tyden and caught his gaze, her eyes wide and panick-stricken. "I ... I did nothing.." she choked out, her voice low and rough. "I just went through, just ... just like you said. I don't understand, Tyden, did I ... was it ... what happened?" she looked at him desperately, seeking reassurance as she tried to quash the seeds of hysteria that grew within her, threatening to burst into a full, and terrible bloom. Spirit snuck a glance back out at the hills, and the queer twinge of anxiety flexed deep within the pit of her stomach. She flinched at the strange sensation, and turned back towards Tyden, half-panting with the effort of keeping the waves of apprehension and unease at bay.
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