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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jul 30, 2009 20:25:24 GMT -5
The path into the valley was well-worn and packed hard, but the ground was different now, more earthy and forgiving to the hoof. It was gentler, and the slope that flowed steadily from the summit was gentler too. After the day's hard climb Xanthe relished the change, and did her best to keep pace against the silver form of Tali as he seemed to glide down the trial in sweeping bounds. Of course, a wolf is built somewhat differently then unicorn, with paws to grasp at footing and supple limps that bend and spring over uneven ground; hooves by comparison had the tendency to slide when they hit stones and scraped against hard, sun-baked earth. Once or twice Xanthe had to collect herself, hastily scrambling for balance, Gypsy's warning becoming all the clearer. She also suddenly understood the meaning behind an expression she'd heard Lana use - something about going arse over teakettle, which, in the moment had made no sense to her at all; now, with the certainty there was teakettle secured somewhere in her packs and a failed step all that was needed to put things in motion, the phrase suddenly made perfect sense. At the same time she wondered how it was that teakettles, when carried, had the ability to make humans so clumsy it warranted a saying. In the valley, the herds of migrating animals moved drowsily, completely uninterested in what came careening down the hill towards them. Unicorns they knew and generally ignored; being less discriminate in their grazing preference they rarely found themselves to be in competition, or contact, for that matter. A wolf was a little more bothersome, but with calves half-grown and the herd strong from a summer's grazing, it was only that, a nuisance. If they noticed that some of the unicorns had riders they gave no mark; the yaks of the skyfields were a study in complacency. Tali reached the floor first, glancing back up the ravine to see that the unicorns were following - one, in fact making quite an impressive time. He wondered briefly if this was intentional, or just forward momentum; he turned his sites on the valley as a whole. The basin itself was a shallow reservoir, a resting place before the rocks of the skyfields began pushing skywards again. On either side the walls of the canyon rose up protectively, offering the herds who transversed the valley shelter from the elements while they fed. The goat trail had brought them into the heart of the spreading greenery, and the unicorns, weary but restless from the day's trek, would certainly appreciate a little grazing... * * * He pulled the straps taught and looped them through, fixing the metal clasp into place as he buckled them down. His fingers did the work instinctively, they were familiar motions, done a hundred times over, and so as he worked his mind was free to wander. His gaze drifted across the hills to far-borne peeks, cloud-strewn with old storms. His mind followed, drawn, distant, and tumbling. Odin careened his neck back to lip at the straps where they pinched, rubbing the itch away with teeth. “For the record I was not holding my breath,” he rumbled, regarding his companion sidelong. The retort was mostly in jest, and had the desired affect, for after a moment the man turned, returning from that far off place to acknowledge the stallion with a shrug. “ Brig used to say the same,” he quipped, getting to work again with attention rapt. “Not… in so many words, mind you... But he meant it. He was a silent mocker, really… watching patiently as you screwed up royally… always there to greet you just as complacently on the other side once calamity had played through…. Actually, I consider it fortunate on my part he did not talk. Kal have mercy, what that would have been…” “So this is why you do not take me on your exploits; I talk. Makes one wonder what exactly you get up to—” “Hold still,” Tyden snapped the last binding into place. He gave the packs another tug, bulging now with new supplies, and quite satisfied mounted the stallion efficiently. “We’ve got hard riding ahead if we’re to catch up with them by dark.” The fact he had been a way this long made him restless, and as the sun climbed to its highest point and began falling, he felt the urgency spread like growing shadows across the ground. He focused his mind, pulling what little sense of magic he had to send his thoughts afar – *We’re on our way* It wasn’t that he didn’t trust the girls to take care of themselves; in fact, it had been proved quite effectively how very capable they were just the evening past. It was more… his sense of responsibility to the cause, perhaps, that he should be there, to help, to facilitate, to try and prevent such things from happening in the first place if he could, even. To just be… useful, maybe. To know that being here, now, on Kalidore, was what he needed to do; that he had made the right choice. Odin’s hooves flew over the ground with striking silver, his mane streaming light and ebony as they ate away the distance across the rising swells of earth and sky...
((I went in and used LimeGreen for Brigadier... I don't think too many people have used that colour yet? I suppose I can come up with something different, just having a most uninspired kind of afternoon))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 4, 2009 8:58:59 GMT -5
Amber eyes glinted gold and followed the sun across the sky. The air was crisp, there was an edge to it. Keep moving, it seemed to say. There is no place for comfort here.
Always moving. Rocks danced away underfoot and scuttled down below, lost in the maw of the canyon. They made no sound as they fell, it was too far. No one to hear you. No one to hear the screams... dark thoughts flickered across the mind's eye as thick and stuck like new snow. Pause for breath, for balance, to hold the mind at bay, gazing across the emptiness into--
What's that? Movement below, and it is not the animals of the valley. No shaggy hides, low-slung and ambling, these are unmistakable. Unicorns. And.... their riders....
Back into the darkness reeling, time roars with dying stars; here spills the seeping of old wars, muffled cries unanswered and unyielding. Far above and far below, the only thing between them is space, but even that cannot keep them asunder, even the mightiest thunderhead cannot stay lightning's strike... the two come together again with the ferocity to wake the gods.
Again.
Always again, always....
Beyond the sky lies night and not even Kal can keep it from falling....
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 5, 2009 16:47:39 GMT -5
The continuation of their trek to their next destination left Allison in silent wonder. There were moments when she would be astride her unicorn companion, and other times when she'd walk beside Fiera. Her hand set gently yet firmly on the mare's shoulders if she was walking. The need for the close, physical contact seemed to be a necessity.
When Ali did remove her hand, it was to polish the apple that had fallen near her feet earlier that day. She had smirked, picked the ripe red fruit up and kept it in her hands. Particullary away from Fiera, in the playful mild fear that her companion might eat it. Sneaking a glance to her right, Fiera seemed to be staring into some form of deep space. It was something not to be concerned for, Ali thought and feeling safe, took a look at the apple.
"And thank you." Fiera said, gingerly plucking the apple from her human's little hand with her teeth. She munched half of it happily before giving the other half back. Ali watched dumbstruck, everything just happened so fast! Against her will, the girl let out a chuckle but however tried to fake her anger. "Hey! That was mine! I don't think I can eat it now, thanks to you." said Ali. "What are you going to do about it?" Fiera challenged, right before Ali lightly chuckeded the half bitten apple at Fiera. It hit the mare with a light thump.
Fiera snorted and lightly shoved her companion from behind. She stumbled forward, but new the mare's tendency for playful affection. "I was thinking, you should go greet that Tia girl. She seems to be at your age, maybe older. But you're possibly the runt of this whole group."
"I did." Allison replied, remembering back that it was just a shy and quick nod of acknowledgement. The time passed by, as did the world around them. Soon, Ali found herself standing in lush grass. Not far off there were... giant yak like things. This was a cause for some questions, but she didn't mind. For the first time, she realized that Tali had followed them all the way here. Or no, more like tagged along or something of that matter.
"Oh! It's so nice here. Very airy, I like it." smiled Ali, taking the sight in for herself before sliding down to sit. After all, she did walk half of the way here. "Alright, so now what shall we do here?" Fiera inquired, a little absent mindedly to everyone near.
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Post by varuna on Aug 9, 2009 13:09:50 GMT -5
Though Brynja had found mirth for the situation at hand, she was still well aware of the woman that had sidled up beside her as the scene played through her mind, yet again. Though she was surprised by the woman and the showing of willingness to follow her lead, she kept the fact hidden from her face still. Instead, she embraced it as a small step in the right direction. Albeit a slightly disconcerting one for the Viking, as she found herself not in the proper knowledge of leadership, she was still young after all and sometimes still made decisions that reflected that fact. However, she still had some positive attributes that she could show the girl, if she was willing to continue to follow Brynja‘s lead as she had at the river.
Of course that was with that being at the forefront of her mind, there were other thoughts floating around. Reflections, really, of what had happened. The comical sight of Tiponi being swiftly disarmed by the (un)helpful uttering of the dun kore. Brynja had to admit that she was more than content that it was not her own misfortune to be magically disarmed in such a matter, though that the unicorn could manage such a spell had Brynja wonder if she could do it in a massive scale… should they need it, of course. Would be quite magnificent, should she manage it. Perhaps she ought to speak with the filly about that.
And lastly there were thoughts for the latest strangely adorned and colorful newcomer, Tatiana, and her eye-pawd… she imagined it was some sort of vegetable of Kalidore and whether or not the girl had found it and if it was good raw, and perhaps if she might be willing to share it. (Brynja had obviously not paid attention to those events at the time; likely due to her stalker-like tendencies with Tiponi).
All of this was mulled over, that was at least until she found the yaks. She study them, from the shape of their hooves, to the build of their body, to the thickness and quality of their fur. “Tasteful.” She murmured unwittingly.
Thora’s ears swiveled back to her companion and current rider as the Viking’s words left her mouth. Giving a rough snort and a roll of her eyes; knowing well that her companion was speaking of how the yak’s meat might taste and not the way thier fur looked while worn. “You’re not drooling on me, are you?” Thora’s head swung around to mock-check her rider for salivation, before returning to watching her footing and their progress.
“Ah. No. Not quite yet. But they are beasts of plenty, aren’t they… I can’t help but wonder.” Brynja, of course, was thinking mostly of her stomach at that moment and not the practicalities of what else the beast might yield should they take one. Though, given the chance, she would likely put every piece to use and her thought flow soon followed what other uses the yaks might have. Her own curious way of passing the time and watching for any sort of danger.
“Of course you can’t, you are a bottomless pit when it comes to food.” Thora’s light chuckle that followed her statement barely reached Brynja’s ears as they made their way down the small path.
Bryn’s lips perked in a full-fledge grin. “I only eat when I’m hungry.”
“That’s where the problem lies, dear one-- you’re always hungry.” The mare teased her companion with the truth.
“It certainly feels that way.” Brynja coincided with Thora, as her palm rubbed across her stomach as it grumbled in agreement. Though she’d never voice a complaint on being hungry or even beg to stop for the chance to eat, she was still quite the capable eater and it was never far from her thoughts.
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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2009 7:20:12 GMT -5
Lilaini watched the dun filly precariously descending towards the valley basin, and only once she had reached the bottom did the guardian realize she had been holding her breath, and forced herself to exhale. “She’s gives me such anxiety that one,” she murmured to her companion as Gypsy began to pick her way down towards the valley as well. She cast a look over her shoulder to ensure the others were following, and then turned her attention back ahead and took in all the sights Kalidore had to offer from this vantage point. Even after all these years, Kalidore still had the ability to be breathtaking, whether it was something new or something one had seen many times before; the Guardian never got tired of looking at it. I too came the thought in her head from the bronze mare, and I have looked upon it for a great many more years than you have, but neither do I tire in seeing it. They continued the rest of the descent in silence, enjoying the contact and the vies offered to them.
Tia had been walking with Xanthe and the others in silence, she hated to admit it but she really wasn’t in the greatest of shape and her body was not accustomed to walking for such distances. Not to mention that she wasn’t really in hiking clothes, not that she owned any in the first place. The dun filly made an exclamation and was suddenly hurrying off down steep slope. As the kore disappeared from sight the young girl found herself to be alone, she looked around nervously for a moment but no one seemed to pay her any mind so she continued after the others and made her way down the valley walls as best she could in her heeled boots. What silly, impractical things to wear she thought to herself, but being 4’11” she used what she could to get her up to the height of the majority of others. It gave her a pains to always have to crane her neck to look up at everyone. After very stumbles and near twisted ankles, she managed to reach the bottom relatively unscathed and then looked about herself. She didn’t see where her previous travelling companions had went but she didn’t want to stand around alone either. Looking around, she saw a young girl who looked about her age standing next to a chestnut unicorn mare. She had seen the pair earlier and wondered if they would mind her company. Wandering over shyly at first, she stopped near to introduce herself. “Hi, I’m Tia,” she said looking from the human than to the unicorn. She had noted on the previous journey that there were humans amoungst the group who seemed to stay very close to certain unicorns. She wondered at the reason for this, but thought she could ask later. “This is a beautiful valley, was this where we were headed? Or is there more travelling to be done?”
Adar had flown off somewhat angrily since his Lily had taken away his wonderful, beautiful, most fantastic shiny prize ever and handed it back to that awful tiny human. He flew around chattering angrily at any other animals he encountered, and chased several birds about just out of annoyance. He had still followed the group somewhat, but ensured to stay well out of their range of sight. Seeing several unsuspecting grasshoppers, he dove and catching them expertly crunched them nosily. Smacking his beak as he dropped a leg and a wing of the tiny insect, his eyes roved around the valley and came to rest on the yaks. They were much too large for eating and the pocket griffon normally paid them no mind, but a large, rather tantalizing beetle was crawling on the back of the yak nearest to him. His eyes narrowed and he watched the creature scuttling towards the herbivores mane, which twitched in annoyance at the unwelcomed guest. Unable to resist, the griffon hunched low, and remained motionless watching his target wander about without suspicion. His hind end gave a sudden wiggle, and he dashed, pouncing through the grass and launching himself into the air. His claws came out and he landed on top of yak, digging his claws in to get a good grip and began snapping his beak together in an attempt to catch the delicious looking beetle.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Aug 13, 2009 11:20:57 GMT -5
Rhaine watched the decent from the back of the flock, where she and Arieon had held until they were sure every member had found their way to the valley floor in safety. The she urged the stallion forward playful, and Arieon danced down the slope like an antelope, his feet nimble and on the rocks and ivory coat gleaming like a beacon. They arrived at the bottom with a flourish, and the young woman laughed, relishing the joviality in her mount's rollicking gait. "Well done," she crooned, just in case he wasn't convinced of this himself (and with Arieon, a little compliment went quite a long way!) . "Why don't you graze for a bit now? I would like to stretch my legs." The stallion agreed amicably, and stood statuesque as she climbed down. Once on the ground Rhaine sighed deeply, breathing in the lushness of the valley, crisp with the sweet smell of green grass. Once down she realized how much cooler it was too, and instinctive brought her arms around herself, braced against the bite in the wind. Rhaine had never been one for cold; it was something her two friends often teased about at length. It seemed that while she had been on Kalidore so long, the warmth of the desert had never left her bones, or moreso, that she acutely missed it's presence when the weather turned cold. The thought of winter brought on a wistful sigh, and she quickly reeled her thoughts back and to the present. She did, however, unfurl the sleeves of the shirt one full roll; while she certainly appreciated Tyden's lent of the garment, it was almost comically large on her and would have made a very good smock. As she untied the silk sash from her hair to shake the dust from it, Xanthe came bounding over her face a quesion. "How far are we there yet?" she wanted to know. Rhaine took the time to re-tie the scarf around her waist before she answered. "We are barely into the mountains, Sweetling," she smiled gently. "There will be another full day's traveling before we may begin to find the ruins." At the filly's long face she reached into her sachel, unfastening the draw string around her the roll of scrolls. She retrieved the map, unrolling it between hands so that the other might see. "We are here," she indicated with a nod of her chin. "The ruins we seek lie somewhere to the north-west; where that grey area is on the map, we expect. So surely another day's travel, and then we have to find them. It will be a kind of... treasure hunt," she finished, looking up to meet the Kore's eyes. The words had just the effect she'd hoped for. Xanthe's eyes went even wider as she flirted with the idea of the quest. "Treasure..." she whispered faintly, as if it wasn't quite real until she had spoken it. "Do you suppose... that there might be treasure? in the old ruins? left behind by the elves?" Rhaine grinned. "I don't suppose why not. But --" and she reached out to grab a leather binding as the kore made to bound off again "--I suggest now would be a good time to rest and grab a bite. Because we still have long way to go before we camp tonight." Xanthe remained unconvinced. "I could make it all the way to the ruins -- right now!" she exclaimed blithely, darting free and back among the grazing unicorns. Rhaine shook her head head as she bounded away. It was then a voice brushed against her mind, and she warmed with the familiarity. Tyden's coming. It was surprising how much peace of mind that notion brought with it. She looked up to find Lilaini, to see if she had heard him too, and saw her talking with Gypsy; it was probably a good time to plot their next course, once the flock was done grazing. She tucked the map firmly under arm and headed over. * Tali's ears pricked to the voices. He cocked his head towards Thora and Bryn, watching the woman's eye follow the herd. "It would take a full hunting legion to bring just one of those wolley hora down," he remarked, matching the little viking's gaze with his own, "but oh, it would be good eating... Not," he corrected himself, recalling again the morning's incident with the anagale, "that I expect you companions to relish the experience." He shrugged, scratching at a fleabite behind his ear. "On the other hand, I could deal with another dozen or so of those sausage buns and be quite happy, too...."
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Post by silentmoon on Aug 20, 2009 21:40:21 GMT -5
As the sun was about to fall, Fiera felt an itching in the back of her mind. Thoughts and feelings she'd never known, she couldn't place them into words. She rarely knew jealousy or sadness, so she wondered if that may be it. However, watchings "sadness" in others, it didn't seem to look that way. Her mind ran off, leaving her body behind as if it where an empty shell. She'd been on plenty of adventures before, however her thoughts were always anchored in the 'now'; to live every moment at it's fullest (or wildest). Fiera flicked her tail then shook her head. "If my mind continues to wander off," she thought, "then I shall wander with it." It seemed like a sensible idea. The Valley was forever spacey and vast- quiet and peaceful too. And the night was soon to be upon them; she would have to make her 'walk' a quick one before anyone were to notice her absense. "But I cannot leave her behind," thought Fiera, when her mind raced back to her and she eyes Ali. She wondered if she were to leave, how would Ali feel? Or vice versa. The unicorn mare studied her companion, looking for the correct or somewhat sensible way to say what she had to say, when she herself couldn't place her own thoughts. Neither did she want company, it seemed like the better way to go. Ali chew on her bottom lip, wondering what strange but giant Yaks could be living on a world like Kalidore.. But then again, if there were talking animals, or erm, creatures, the endless charade of encounters and surprises... shouldn't be that surprising. "I wonder if they ever stop eating. Shouldn't life be a little bit more, oh I dont know- more than just eating?" asked Ali alloud, reffering to the wooley mammals. Strange as they were, they were furry and had a certain cuteness to them. The sensation tickled the back of her heart, making her fond over them. However there was no possible way she was going to get close to any of them. The sentries and unicorns were already big enough, she thought. "Little one, you need friends." Fiera suddenly said bluntly (in Ali's case), but her voice was soft and sweet if not a bit far off. "I spot a new human in our group, why not say hello? She seems rather sensible. And look! She comes to greet you." without waiting for a word, Fiera gave Allison a few firm nudges towards Tia. "And in the meantime, I shall be taking a little walk. Do not come for me; it causes troubles." said Fiera swiftly. "But, but! Oh urm, hello. Nice to meet you Tia. I'm Allison but um, you can call me Ali. And this is-" when the girl turned around, Fiera had disapeared all together. A sudden sense of worry and loneliness filled her chest, making her frown at her uneasiness. However somewhere, Ali knew that Fiera was still close by. She could feel it, or atleast she tried to. "Hmmm, I think there's more traveling to be done. It seems like a long way, I dont know." she shrugged, lifting her hand to her shoulder, rubbing it with a grimace to the slightly older Tia. As Fiera walked alone, her ears carefully swiveling back to catch any of her companion's conversation. It was barely autable, but as far as she could tell; hardly any sign of change. With that certain comforting thought, the chestnut mare pushed aside her own feeling of loss, however in some sense it was a less hollow feeling compared to that of Allison's. The slight breeze picked up, tossling her silky tail to the side, whisping her forelock from her eyes. The quietness was something like a remedy to her distractoins... Something to get Fiera's mind off of this journey's purpose. What was it again? Oh yes, him... That unicorn. Because it was he who left an unread chapter of her life unatainable... Fiera snorted, so much for distractions. She had to press on further, farther away from everything else. Wandering aimlessly... into unfamiliar territory aka the nifty new side adventure thread! (HAH! Now I hope I havent scared anyone away with MY post....)
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Post by varuna on Aug 27, 2009 22:57:34 GMT -5
Brynja had failed to hear anything in the way of his approach, if he had made one, and for the sake of her pride she decided to believe he had been sitting there. Mis-matched eyes were quick in seeking out the wolf. Her smile spread warmly across her face with the thought of having another hunter beside her and willing to talk. An experienced one at that. She kept her gaze trained on him, through the small while he spoke to her, nodding appreciatively at his experience. And while the others would possibly be opposed to it, Brynja would have been read to lead such a movement... to gather one of those beasts.
She had to spare a glance once more to the beasts in question, with a press of her lips and a narrowing of her eyes, she nodded once again. "True. But I bet a roast leg would taste delicious fresh off the fire." She grinned a moment while she leaned back just enough to allow herself room to find that small pouch that Adar had raided the previous night, and that had been refilled come the morning. With deft fingers she plucked the strings loose from her belt and swung herself off Thora's back and onto the ground below with a thud of contact.
Shaking out a handful (all that happened to be left within, actually), she lowered herself to plant one knee into the ground and offer the requested food. She offered with a smile, and her hand was a platter. Of course, she had to wonder if he would be offended that she chose to held it. Although, in her mind, compaired to the alternative of being tossed to the ground to get dirty, this was the choice way to go. But what exactly was protocol when feeding a wolf that happened to speak and was more than just a simple animal? It was well beyond her, but she was never one to do things with grace and manner anyway; so long as she was friendly and had good intentions, she figured everything else was details. "Not a dozen, but something to put into your belly is surely better than nothing, for now."
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Post by Delicious on Aug 29, 2009 1:24:13 GMT -5
Liam was tired. This wasn't exactly surprising considering the state in which he had awoken that morning - just this side of cavalry soldier pate - but added to the day's long ride, and an rather prickly riding partner... well, suffice to say his head was throbbing in a rather uncomfortable rhythm with his newly scarred side.
Frustratingly enough - the ride hadn't gone quite as well as he had anticipated. He had hoped that the time away from the fluttering (and increasingly embarrassing) ministrations of the well-meaning Guardian would have cleared the air a bit. Unfortunately after about a half hour into the ride, Pasiphae fell into a sort of wretched brooding - vacillating between a silent, sullen sort of internal preoccupation and an almost obnoxious, cloying attention to his every wince - and been in that state ever since.
He had tried to break her out of her mood with some attempts at humor, light conversation, or even remarks on the weather (truly, small talk was not his forte) - but after a couple of short, clipped replies, she'd generally fall silent again. The only thing that seemed to get more than a handful of words from her was when she could feel him tense on her back as they'd cross a particular rough patch of terrain - or the one time she stumbled a bit, and he'd been unable to suppress an audible wince.
After each occurrence she would break into a dizzying array of questions - was he okay, did he want to stop, was he sure he could continue on, did it hurt much, should she go and get Rhaine, was he SURE he was okay - that he could barely sneak a word in edgewise. Doubly frustrating was the fact that no amount, or combination of words explaining that he was really quite okay - that considering all that had happened he was really just pleased not to be a corpse, and that a little bit of tenderness was MORE than fair a trade for an almost whole body - was able to convince Pasiphae that he really WAS okay. Frankly, it was almost enough to make his eyes cross, or contemplate just jumping off and WALKING the rest of the way to wherever they were going.
Liam began to sigh, but checked himself at the last second - not wanting to solicit more attention from Pasiphae. However, having seemingly lapsed back into obliviousness, the bay mare didn't seem to notice. As he cast about for SOMETHING to do to break the monotony - someone to talk to, or another attempt at a joke, or even breaking out into one of his favorite bawdy ballads* - when Tali's yips caught his attention. Shortly after, they crested the rise, and Liam's eyebrows rose at the picturesque scene stretching before them.
"Och, lass - now that's a grand sight." He murmured, leaning forward to catch Phae's ear. "Reminds me o' some o' the great 'auld valleys back home. Although .... " His brows knitted together in puzzlement, and he sat up straight again. "I dinnae recall aught like THAT in Ireland. Blimey - now I've seen everything. Is that truly a purple cow?"
Phae, lost as she was in her inner monologues, didn't register Liam's most recent attempt conversation at first - it wasn't until he shifted his weight on her back to lean forward that she noticed he was talking at all, or even where they were and what was in front of them.** She almost stumbled again, trying to process the many sources of information all at once, but managed to catch herself. "Ehhrrr..." She hemmed, trying to locate the source of that had peaked his curiosity. "... Yes? If by cow you mean yak." Phae replied, her near-stumble and Liam's question having momentarily knocked her out of the 'how-could-you' internal mantra.***
Liam, sensing the break in her mood, pressed the advantage. "Yak? Ahrm. Well - whate'er the name, that's a right strange colored beastie. Do those'uns ... talk .... too?" He asked, trying to re-route his brain from temptations of fresh beefsteak if these were indeed some of the more sentient Kalidorian folk.
Pasiphae snorted. "Not that I've ever heard. Unless chewing cud counts." She grimaced. "Grass is well enough and all - but spitting it up to eat it again? Blergh."
The soldier chuckled. "Makes ye a bit green, does it?" He joked, hoping that the bad pun would continue to keep the mare off guard, but Pasiphae simply snorted again and rolled her eyes as she continued to pick her way down the valley path. Liam, loathe to lose the best chance at a good mood for the mare he'd had all day, continued on with a chuckle. "Sorry lass, couldn't help m'self. Aye now - yak y'say? But purple? I mean, ye've a few strange colors o' yer own - like that blue lass yonder. An' I suppose I can respect tha', although I'll admit I'm rather more taken with a proper coloring like yer own and the like...." the soldier trailed off for a minute, realizing that he'd come dangerously close to likening her to a 'properly' coloured horse, and almost winced. In the mood she was now, dealing with the aftermath of such a faux pas would have had him wishing to return to the night of the bear. Doggedly however, he offered up a small prayer and rambled on, " ... Anyways, 'tis more than a teensy bit odd, d'ye think? After all, t'would be one thing to be bright n' blue if ye had a brain the size of your'n - and be surrounded by wolves n' bears an' the like. But ai've met my fair share o' cattle, yaks or no, an' I'll be cursed bluer then they be if'n there is aught between their ears bigger n' a potato. An' a small'un at that."
The bay mare caught herself in a snorted chuckle at Liam's conclusion about the yaks. "I suppose. You'd have to ask the Guardian's what makes them that color, could be the stones, or the water - or even just Kala's will, I suppose. Who knows." She gave a small equine-like shrug, before continuing. "Whatever the reason, regardless of the 'brains' involved in the matter, it hardly seems to have hurt their population any."
"Ahrm. Too true - well o'er a couple hundred here at the very least." The soldier replied, thoughtfully, now beginning to eye the herd a bit more closely with the revelation that the members were unlikely to talk back. "Surely a herd in need, or at least might no' miss, a little thinning ..."
Pasiphae tensed as she sensed the motive in his musings. "I'd have thought you would've had ENOUGH violence last NIGHT." She snapped at the man. "And whatever you've been saying, I'm SURE Rhaine would agree that you're in NO shape to go haring off after some wool-faced calf..."
"Och lass!" Liam broke in, trying to cut her off before she worked herself up much further. "I've nae' plans to do 'aught reckless! An' I swear I'm as in fair o' piece as I've been in after any a scuffle, an' a more than a bit better besides!" He paused here, hoping for a slightly more pleasant reply from the mare, but at the chilly silence, kicked himself mentally. He attempted a few more times to get her respond, but soon lapsed into silence himself at her refusal to speak.
In inwardly seething silence, Pasiphae carried them down the path to the valley floor, finally coming to a stilted stop several feet apart from the rest of the group. Liam, finally tired of dealing with the mare that seemed more hedgehog than equine (what with being so prickly), thanked her for the ride and excused himself to go and stretch his legs a bit. And with a quick dismount made a hasty retreat.
* He was to the point that while he was fairly certain that any of his surrounding company wouldn't particularly appreciate the song, he was bored and frustrated enough to consider doing it anyways. Although the thought that the Ladies probably wouldn't allow two such displays, and the fact that he really wanted to see if Tyden knew some of the ... choicer renditions, put a stay on his tongue.
** Pasiphae, when lost in these sort of moods, had the tendency to go into a semi catatonic state - either following behind who was leading (i.e. Spirit or in this case, just the party at large), or just listlessly moving forward. The latter occasionally got her into trouble, and she'd end up "coming to" hours later in an unfamiliar location, or having paced continuously in a furious circle and worn a path in the grasses (or in one case, the temple gardens...) Spirit often chided her about this and threatened to attach a cowbell to her neck, just so she'd have an easier time of keeping track of her.
*** Pasiphae, being well ... Phae, had managed to work herself into more than a bit of a tizzy. She was still furious at herself for letting Liam be wounded so grievously, and then became depressed about - and then slightly resentful at herself for being so mad. This then spilled over into resentment at Liam, until she REGISTERED the resentment at the man, and then felt even MORE awful about being mad at the man she had let be HURT... etc. etc. etc. Really, it was an impressively tangled emotional drama web that she was having little luck in untangling herself.
((And err - wow. THat was a bit longer than expected. And rambly. Sorry about that. <.< >.> ))
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Post by Admin on Aug 30, 2009 11:03:18 GMT -5
Tia’s gaze followed the direction Ali indicated but didn’t see anyone. She assumed she must have been talking about the unicorn that had been there when she wandered over. Her eyes scanned the other girls face as she turned around and noticed lines of worry there. “Surely, she’s fine?” Tia began, trying to sound comforting. “Is that unicorn a good friend of yours?” She was beginning to get the idea that there was some type of close relationship between certain unicorns and certain humans but she hadn’t had much of a chance to work that out yet. Mulling over what the other girl had said, she wondered how long exactly this trekking would be. Looking around her, the landscape was so breathtaking. Definitely, not the type of thing you saw at home. “I feel a bit ill prepared for this trip,” she said with a slight smirk as she rummaged around in her pockets, “but if the rest of this place is as beautiful as here, I don’t think I’ll regret going. What is it we are going to do actually? Ah ha!” she concluded when she had successfully located the gum that was in one of her side pockets. She held out a piece to her new acquaintance, “Gum?”
Arieon was feeling rather proud of himself as he watched the guardian wander off to stretch her legs. He had been taking special care to be a good riding partner which was something, until this trip, he had never done before. And the cremello stallion wasn’t fond of nothing doing all things well, so he was pleased to hear that all his extra attentions to his rider were working out as he hoped. He dipped his head, causing his gleaming mane to tumble forward, as he chose to graze where he stood. After a few mouthfuls, he looked up and decided he should take a jog around the perimeter of the grouping. After all, he was the only stallion with the group currently with his brother still being absent, so he felt responsible for everyone’s wellbeing. Giving himself a thorough shake, he turned and trotted to the outskirt of the group. Once he had reached his destination, he lengthened his stride and his hooves gracefully floated over the ground. Holding his head high in the air, he began looking from side to side, and taking in deep breaths trying to find anything out of place that was previously undetected. A mare glanced over in his direction as he was coming nearly full circle, he realized he must look most agreeable at this pace and in this lighting which resulted in an extra bounce to his trot and arch to his neck.
When he had made a complete circuit with nothing much of consequence to notice, he slowed his pace and came to a slow walk. Feeling good that he had ensured the safety of the group momentarily, the pale stallion’s attention was caught by a human man wandering on his own. He was fairly certain this was the same man that had rode the pretty bay mare sometimes. Changing his course, he wove his wave towards him trying to read the strange expression on his face, but as Arieon did not have as much dealings with humans, he was unable to do so. Pulling up alongside the man who’s name he couldn’t remember.
“You walk as one who is trying to get away from something? Is there danger afoot I have not seen?”
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Post by Admin on Aug 30, 2009 11:33:56 GMT -5
A voice brushed up against her mind and Lilaini knew that Tyden and Odin were on their way back. She relayed this information to Gypsy just as she noticed her fellow guardian approaching, map in tow. “Ah good, you have the map. We should really determine where we are going from here.” Smiling, he stepped away from the bronze mare and moved towards Rhaine who was already on her hands and knees unrolling the map. Gathering up her skirts she knelt down beside her friend and began to examine the map depicting the elven ruins. “So should we intend to go this way?” she questioned, drawing the line from their current location to the elven ruins destination.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 1, 2009 9:47:07 GMT -5
Frankly, Tali wouldn't have cared if Bryn had made use of her throwing arm and lobbed each delicious roll across the valley accompanying the herald "go fetch!" (They really were that good, and he had no concept of "dog" anyways). And since human-wolf feeding etiquette was not something either of them had any experience in, both were willing and agreeable to the exchange. Plus, Tali and marked these odd "pigs-in-a-blanket" as truly the food of gods, and what great gods these companions had to bestow such a gift upon them! The act itself was rather endearing, rather like a mother wolf to proffer food to her pup, and it was the familiarity he felt with the fellow hunter that made him make quick work of the buns (indeed, to take food from hand of someone he did not have a familiarity with was something he probably would not do). As he munched them down - trying not to gulp, as he reckoned this might be viewed a impolite, and out of goodwill for her fingers - he considered where the journey had led him thus far, a day's travel from his pack but already it seemed like fortnights since he had seen them all. And while there was some distinct sense of loss at his being gone from them, it was kept most fruitfully in check by his curiosity and wonderment towards what still lay ahead. The last crumb swallowed he licked his lips, flicking pink tongue over the protruded hand to clean away any last morsel as grooming was, he hoped, a universal display of gratitude. "A'ganae himself would loll like a pup for such delicacies," his sighed, tail a happy, half-wag. "Songs should be sung of these... do you companions sing of your feasts, too?" * ((Rhaine to come!))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 1, 2009 18:41:20 GMT -5
Rhaine grinned as Lilaini indicated the vague area on the map, complete with prettily scrawled decorative swirls, as if the mapmakers themselves were at loss what to put in there; apparently the solution was to fill it with sprawling clouds. Or maybe there was a vast and encompassing fog in that area too – the thought had crossed her mind, but optimistically she brushed the notion aside and made space for Lily to plunk down on the grass beside her.
“I think the terrain will be the easiest for everyone if we stay following the valley,” she replied. “It would certainly be quicker to pass over the step-lands, but do you think they can make it?” Her gaze drifted upwards to the grazing flock, their companions now dismounted as they stretched and wandered about, taking in the valley around them; she noted the young and the injured, and those who had no unicorn companions to ride. The sun was sinking steadily above them and as a cool wind blew through the material of her shirt she shivered.
“I will be ever so glad when Tyden returns,” she said softly. “Not... that I am worried, truly… well, not much... But an extra set of eyes in these hills are a boon. And there are so many of us here to look out for... " A new thought flittered through her consciousness, one that she had hardly had time to reflect on with all that had happened in the past short week since their return to Kalidore. Her eyes drifted across the group again and lingered there. "Imagine what it will be like having so many people living here on Kalidore... And suppose some of them should decide to stay? I cannot remember the last time I had so much company! I like it; it is good to have people to talk to."
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Post by dawnstar7 on Sept 3, 2009 17:30:33 GMT -5
Erilynn was walking back to her car from the theatre. It was after dark already, though only a little after 7pm, and she couldn't helpbut think about how quickly autumn was moving in. The night was quiet, and the stars were bright in the evening chill. What stars she could see, that is. Not quite ready to return to her empty house, she decided to go to the park, just on the edge of the city. It was a large park, full of towering trees and quiet pools of still water. She'd only been there once, and had never gone as far as the trees in the center. Her life seemed too busy of late to allow for such indulgences. The night was brisk, and she finally arrived at her car. Pulling out her keys, she unlocked the door and got in, started the engine and pulled away from the curb. It's such a lovely night. It would be a shame to waste it wallowing away indoors, she thought to herself. She headed towards the park, weaving her way slowly through the evening traffic.
A short while later, the trees of the park loomed in front of her, tall and stark in the evening moonlight. They looked almost luminous, the full moon shining down and the stars twinkling. They were easier to see out here, away from the city lights. Getting out of the car, she didn't bother to lock it. It was unlikely anyone would come out here this late, the sights and sounds of the city behind her being of more interest, with i's concerts and night clubs; the hustle and bustle of people living for the moment. Picking her way across the field, she headed for the tress closest to the center of the park. They towered high above the others, seeming to stand as sentinels, and she felt irrestibably drawn to them. She crossed a bridge spanning a small creek winding it's way through the park, the water gurgling softly, seeming to want to tell her of all it had seen. Smiling at her whimsy, she moved on, soon coming to the treeline, and passed under the sheltering branches. She immediately felt a peace surround her, a soft, quiet assurance that this was she was supposed to be. It felt like, well, like coming home after spending a long time away.
As she neared the grove of trees in the center, a strange feeling of deja vu came over her. Despite that, she slowed her pace as she entered the grove, a great feeling of awe consuming her. A great weight of age decended upon her, almost crushing the air from her lungs. These trees were not merely old, they were ancient. As though they had stood as witnesses to the dawn of time itself. Glancing upwards, she was unable to see where they ended, they stretched so far into the sky. That puzzled her slightly, since they certainly hadn't looked that tall from the car. Looking back down, she noticed that two trees, even larger than the others, stood in the center of the grove. The were ancient, venerable, and seemed to almost glow with life and energy. Entranced, she walked towards them, her footsteps silent upon the debris beneath fer feet. As she continued forward, she noticed that the trees themselves weren't glowing, but rather, the space between them was lighter, as though it were still daylight. The nearer she came, the stranger it got, because that's exactly what it looked like. Curious about this strange phenomenon, she walked forward, into the space between the trees. As she moved forward, the light grew, and the air grew warm around her. After what seemed like forever but was really only a couple of minutes, she found herself walking through a glade that was certainly nothing like the place she had just come from. It was like nothing she'd ever seen before. She glanced behind her, and there were the trees, as still and quiet in the night as she had left them, but they seemed faint, as though slightly fuzzy around the edges. Curious, but not frightened, she continued forward, and soon left the trees behind. She stopped and stared at the scenery before her, with no sign of the city. Or any kind of human habitation, for that matter. She continued to walk, looking all around her with a feeling of wonder, exploring her new surroundings. Maybe she was in some sort of dream?
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Post by geob on Sept 3, 2009 21:21:36 GMT -5
Without thinking about it or even realizing it Foehn Miri had spent the day tagging along with the new girl (Tia), so she was there to overhear the offer of "gum." Lifting her head from her grazing she wondered, Isn't that the pink stuff in your mouth that holds you teeth? Chewing, she puzzled over someone offering the stuff to another. With a huff she shook her head then returned to her grazing.
Tiponi was seeking some time alone. After years of just herself for company-or one or two others at most- the day spent with so many was wearing on her. She roamed about a small marshy area looking for edibles to add to the night's meal. Her pouch already contained a nice collection of the same tubers she had enjoyed a few days ago while travel in this new land. If she wasn't mistaken there was something just over there that looked like another herb she was familiar with. She had only gone a few steps when she heard nearby something about "danger afoot." Glancing over she stiffened. It was that other Man (Liam), the one that had been hurt. She battled with her tension. This one had been seriously hurt defending her against the bear, but he was still a man. What to do? Giving herself a mental shake, Tiponi moved closer in order to hear the response. If there was danger she wanted to know about it too.
Tien Mu lunged to her feet after a very satisfying roll. After a good shake looked around the meadow. Mischief was riding her hard. If it wasn't for the effort it would take to run she would spend some time harassing the yaks. Where was that dun yearling? She should be good for some fun. Spying a girl with vibrant red hair (Trinity)*, Tien Mu began to innocently graze her way in that direction while assessing how best to tease.
((*hopefully Angel won't drop out. If so I'll have to change this))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 4, 2009 0:13:44 GMT -5
Odin's hooves marked a steady rhythm across the ground; his head was was tucked gently, chin parallel to chest, his mane rippling across his off-side in a stream of ebony. The unicorn was silent; this was his way. His rider was too, head bent in a similar fashion as focus was turned inward, drawn in contemplation. They passed trough clusters of sparce trees that gave way to meadows, meadows that flowed upwards until they became grey stone; the stone itself went unending until they had grown into mountains and these only buckled to the sky. It was an landscape of solitude, and the two passed silently, respectfully, and urgently to reach their destination ahead. The Skyfields they had both known since their births, as many eons apart as those two events had been, and these rocks were familiar, so Tyden had allowed Odin's good judgment to choose their course. It was an indulgence owed to the rider of a unicorn; he thought with amusement how well it would have gone over should he have attempted to try and steer. The man and the stallion worked together seamlessly, no need of cues or external aids, one completing a movement even before the thought had left the other's mind. The symbiosis of it did take getting used to after having been away for long, but at the same time that majestic sense of being, awash with solidarity and resolve, worked to balance him and ground him in once again in the land of his birth. As far as he might travel, Kalidore it seems, insisted upon being called home; and Odin was always there and waiting for him, as if he knew this, regardless of how strongly Tyden had worked to disprove. Of course he knew, Tyden mused. What little doesn't he know?His awareness returned with that focal point to the immediate activity of riding, and he noticed for the first time that Odin had veered from the worn goat trail and had gone slicing across a broad plateau. Tyden frowned, marking the sun at their change of course. His mind a question he was about to broach with words when the stallion pulled up short. "Timely," he said. His ears were pricked forward and head canted; the man turned to follow his gaze. And there, looking very much out of place in the billowing landscape was a woman. She was wearing form-fitted clothing* which made her look all the more wispy and insignificant against the great expanse of the hills; she looked a little bit confused, unsure of her footing, but this at least was to be expected. Truly, after everything else that had happened recently, this sight didn't phase Tyden in the least - and, he reflected, it could have been much worse - it could have been a cave bear; this was only a girl. And then he winced, remembering Tiponi. Actually... his head tilted lightly, regarding her from another angle. Physically, there was even a similarly... Odin had begun forward again with a silent gait so that they were almost upon her by the time Tyden had a chance to sweep his reservations aside, holding up his hand in greeting. "Hello, there! You seem to have picked quite the desolated plateau for your leisurely stroll. I am Tyden; can I assist you?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- * I am not really sure what Erilynn is wearing, but compared to the garb Lily and Rhaine generally wear, form-fitting is probably an accurate enough description
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Post by dawnstar7 on Sept 4, 2009 11:10:41 GMT -5
Erilynn, while entranced with the beautiful landscape around here, was starting to get slightly worried. Exactly where was she? "What is this place?" she thought to herself. "Where are the people?" Or, she thought ruefully, ARE there any people here? Suddenly nervous, she began walking in earnest, heading towards the mountains in the distance, hoping to maybe find some sign of civilization.
She'd been walking for what seemed like several hours, and her feet wear tired and aching. She wasn't used to this much walking, and chided herself for not being more active. But really, as a fulltime teacher, and then working parttime at the local stable in her 'realtively' small hometown, she didn't have alot of free time to go out hiking or walking the countryside. She was getting more worried with every step she took. The mountains were still a ways off, and she hadn't found any water. She hadn't recognized any edible plants thus far either, and was beginning to wonder if she'd make it to the mountains before fainting from hunger and dehydration.
"This was a wonderfull idea. This will teach me to go exploring when it would have been better to turn around and go home," she berated herself. "Why do I have to be so curious? Why can't I just be content with my life? I must be out of my mind."
Her lips quirked up a bit at the corners. Afterall, weren't her friends always telling her how crazy she was? Of course, this was a tad different. They called her crazy for working so hard and shutting herself away from much of anything resembling a social life. What was crazy was wandering around in a place where she had no idea where she was or even if it was anywhere near where home was. Although, given some of the strange flora, and the mountains, she was sure it probably wasn't.
After what seemed like another hour or so, with the mountains seemingly no closer than before, she stopped, cocking her to the side? "What is that?" she wondered. She listened more carefully, and finally heard it clearly. It was the sound of hooves, the steady, pounding rythm unmistakeable even in this strange place. She'd know that sound anywhere, she was sure. After years of riding lessons while growing up, and now working in a stable, it was a very familiar sound. Looking around for the source, she spotted a figure in the distance, nearing as she watched. As it got closer, she saw it was indeed a horse. Even more exciting to her, though, was the rider on it's back. "Finally! Another human being!" she muttered. She surprised herself, not having realized she'd spoken aloud until the words were out of her mouth. Finally, the pair were close enough to make out clearly. Her focus was on the rider, a man, she could now see. He seemed to be a bit on the tall side, though it was hard to tell when he was riding. He'd at least be taller than her, she was sure. He had a pleasant, almost handsome face, with attractively windblown hair and cheeks slightly flushed from the wind. He laso cut quite a nice figure, as well, his posture flawless, with nice, well defined muscles. As he rode closer, she glanced at the horse he was riding. A very handsome silver dun, she noticed, admiring the gleam of the sun on his silvery hide and the contrats of his black mane and tail. A very handsome stallion indeed. Then, looking more closely at his face, her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes threatened to bug out of her head. She blinked several times, hoping to clear her vision. When she looked again, there was no mistake. A long, slender horn graced the center of his forhead. It was a unicorn! Of all the possible creatures she thought she might encounter, she'd never have imagined this!
Before she had time to fully process, this, they had stopped in front of her. The man had a friendly, if somewhat wary, smile, and introduced himself as Tyden.
Erilynn smiled shyly, and replied. "Hello, Tyden, "I'm Erilynn. I didn't exactly choose the plateau, I just sort of ended up here." She pointed behind her. "I came from back there, out of some trees," she explained. "I've no idea where I am, and have been trying to find someone to help me out." She waited nervously for his response, hoping he didn't think she was crazy. The last thing she needed was to be locked up in whatever this place used as a psych ward.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 4, 2009 17:17:39 GMT -5
Well she seemed normal enough, Tyden reasoned, though he was sure he heard Odin snicker as he gave the woman a casual once-over (for hidden weapons) before dismounting; or maybe the stallion had merely snorted. "Well met, Erilynn," he nodded at her offered explanation, "and welcome to Kalidore; it does have a way of sneaking up on you at times."
He glanced behind her, tracing her path as it wove through the grass towards the trees, but of whatever Gate had brought her here there was no sign. He wondered, suddenly, exactly how many uncharted Gates had sprung up around the isle, and how many more people might be wandering through and lost. As the seasons shifted, the land grew harsh; it filled him with some foreboding of what could happen to a person up here, alone and in unfamiliar territory. The results were unsavory; surely Kal wouldn't let that happen to one she had summoned...?
Realizing he'd been silent too long, he returned his attention back to the girl. "I will certainly do whatever I can to help you; you are quite fortunate Odin and I were passing through these parts - the Skyfields are rather expansive, and can be unforgiving when taken unaware." He offered an encouraging smile, relieved to see that besides the understandable unease, she seemed fit and unharmed. He continued, "I am currently traveling to meet up with my party, they are about two hours' ride away. And whatever you might need that I cannot currently provide for you, the Guardians can. Are you willing to travel, then?"
In retrospect, he really had no any idea what he'd do if she said no. He couldn't just leave her there, but knew that what he was telling her probably sounded awfully strange. What grounds did she have to trust him? And the way she kept stealing looks past him at Odin, he was under the assumption that Unicorns were most definitely outside her kin, too. Of her own companion - for surely, why else would someone stumble into the isle? - there was no sign. Which meant, for all intents and purposes, Tyden was on his own.
Again.
Inwardly, he sighed...
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Post by dawnstar7 on Sept 4, 2009 18:19:27 GMT -5
Erilynn watched as Tyden dismounted, eyeing him somewhat warily. She glanced towards the unicorn, wondering just how intelligent he was. That he was smarter than a horse was without doubt. She could see the intelligence swirling deep within his dark eyes. Of course, she was also fairly sure he had laughed just a moment ago, though whether at her or his rider, she had no idea.
Looking back at Tyden, and when he turned his gaze back to her, she smiled tentatively. She glanced back at the unicorn and couldn't help but think of the fairy tales. How unicorns only showed themselves to pure, untouched maidens, and were always white in color. She barely held back a snicker at the thought, as these two certainly didn't fit the stories.
Her eyes twinkling with restrained mirth, she said, "Thank you. That would most kind, and I'd greatly appreciate it. I've no desire to spend a night alone out here." Aftyer a slight pause, she asked curiously, "Who are the Guardians?"
She blushed slightly from his scrutiny, highly aware of her dissheveled state. Her jeans, while all the rage in fashion, were tight down through the knees before subtly flaring out. Her shirt, which was a tunic style often found in parts of India, was a vibrant emerald green, and went quite well with her green eyes and dark red hair. Sadly, both were looking a little the worse for wear, with smudges of dirt hear and there.
"I'm up for traveling, if you can keep a slow pace. I doubt I could keep up with you even if you stayed at a trot."
She hoped he wouldn't think her weak, and stood there anxiously.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 5, 2009 0:49:36 GMT -5
He caught the hint of humour in her eyes and wondered briefly if she was gifted with mindsweep, but as her eyes grew perplexed again he decided not, which was frankly was a nice a change. (Indeed, life with Lily taught a person that thinking loudly could be hazardous to one's health, particularly dependent upon the subject matter). He warmed openly, nodding assurance as she replied.
"We would not think of leaving you alone out here, unless it was by your request. And even then there would be arguments," Tyden grinned. "The Ladies Rhaine and Lilaini are the proper Guardians of this isle, caretakers of sort, and keep mind over all its residence. Thus, while you are here, you too are under their protection. And mine."
He watched as her face coloured, anxiety pinching the smooth features, and scrambled inwardly to deduct what could be the cause. His own grin began to falter when she spoke again; then he almost laughed. "Walk? Surely, you don't mean – wait, my pardon, it never occurred to me – you cannot ride?"
This time Odin did chuckle, distinctly, and Tyden turned to him, his face a grimace *A lot of help you're bringing to the table* he fumed. He didn't wait for an answer and returned to Erilynn. "Truly you did not think I would make a lady fare on foot while I remained astride; Odin can carry us both easily. You will find no more fluid a gait, and he will take good care of you. Or, if you will it, then we will all walk. I would have it no other way."
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Post by dawnstar7 on Sept 5, 2009 11:21:19 GMT -5
She watched him, wondering what he was thinking while looking at her like that, a sudden, somewhat apprehensive, look on his face. Then she turned her attention back to him as he started to speak. As he spoke, Erilynn's eyes widened slightly, and a faint flush colored her cheeks. Even the unicorn, Odin, was laughing, obviously this time.
"I was 3 time National Junior Champion before my studies pulled me away from riding. Of course I can ride, you arrogant, assuming..." She trailed off, the full imapct of his words hitting her. "You mean, he'd actually let me ride him?"
A grin started to spread across her face, a childlike glee and excitment overcoming her. "To think, I could actually ride a unicorn! A real, beautiful, magnificent unicorn!" she thought.
She looked at Tyden, her eyes shining with excitement. "Of course I'd like to ride him! Um, as long as you're sure he wouldn't mind?" She said, the last almost a question. She couldn't believe she might actually get to ride such a wondrous creature.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 6, 2009 11:49:46 GMT -5
At the brunt of her outburst, Tyden recoiled politely, confusion marking his brow. He had no idea what a National Junior Champion was, or what relevance it posed now, or whether she was simply waiting for him to offer up his ride unaccompanied so he might trail obediently behind on foot. He was also firmly reconsidering his position on her state of mind, and was about to speak more freely on the matter when Odin brought his head down between them, thick dark hair falling away from his face with the motion.
"You may ride, so long as you do not kick," the stallion said.
The mirth was still in his eyes as he answered her question, and in the moment Tyden rather hoped for a change it was directed towards the girl and not him. He had his doubts. His hand went to his own dark hair and scrunched it. *Now you speak. For one who claims never to pick sides, you darn well choose your moments. And what if I don't want to ride with her anymore?* Of course the stallion ignored him, and the girl's face was lit with such a euphoric glow he wondered if he wasn't a token of irrelevance already...
... par for the course, really, when you thought about it. He sighed, pressed himself to order and fixed his face with a amicable grin, conceding to the unicorn and turned to the girl once again.
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Post by dawnstar7 on Sept 6, 2009 13:25:20 GMT -5
When the unicorn's head dropped between her and Tyden, Erilynn focused on him completely. When he spoke, she thought her eyes would bug out of her head. She blinked a few times, picked her jaw up off the ground, and smiled tenatively.
"I never kick, sir," she said. Kicking is for those who are ignorrant and know no better." Her eyes sparkled with merriment. Of course, she couldn't imagine anyone kicking such a magnificent creature.
She turned back to Tyden, a nervous smile curving her lips. "Um, I'm sorry I went off on you like that. I'm guess I'm more shaken up from being here than I thought. This all seems so strange, and I'm not sure how to cope with it all."
Waiting for his response, Erilynn fidgeted slightly. He was obviously upset, and seemd a bit unsure of the situation. Which, she was sure, she hadn't helped with. She felt horrible about it now, especially since he'd been so nice before. She hoped she hadn't irrepariably damaged their new, though currently undefined, relationship. It would be nice to have a friend in this place, since she was quite obviously out of reach of her other friends, and she wasn't even sure if she would ever find her way home. At this thought, she lost her smile, a slight worryline creasing her forhead. That was definitely not something she wanted to think about right now. She again looked at Tyden, wondering what he would say.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 6, 2009 22:39:07 GMT -5
Tyden watched silently as she spoke with Odin, the unmistakable wonderment and glee fixed there while answered him. She knew of unicorns, it seemed, but to her they were not a thing of flesh and life-fire so much as they were the transcendent element of dreams. He remembered, as a youth in Ardenburough, listening people talk of those "mystic beasts", and the blush that filled him privately as he remarked how lucky he was then to know them. Sometimes, it seemed, the extraordinary became so usual that it took another person's eyes to see the wonder right in front of you.
She turned to speak to him, and by now his frustration had given way and her words filled him with regret at his own temper. His smile was rueful, but genuine. "There is no need for apologies. You are a guest in a strange land, and it is a reflection of my own poor decorum that we have come to crosses. You must pardon me, my mind steals towards the rest of my party, and how long I have left them unattended, something I am ill at ease to do. But my duty is as much to you as is them, and I am in no way amiss by finding you here. In fact, could be a pleasant change of conversation," he glanced at the silver stallion here with a wry grin.
He extended his hand. "Erilynn, then. If you are indeed eager to ride, then I hope you do not find it too forward on my behalf that I request we be off. The Guardians will be able to explain everything much better then I, so it would bode well the sooner we reached them anyways. Until then, you'll just have to put up with me."
At that quip he stepped aside, prepared to help her mount, wondering if even with this "juniour championship" did she have any notion about sitting an animal completely unbridled and untacked, save for the journey packs secured across Odin's back. He saw the worry creep across her features as she stood fidgeting and inclined his head towards her gently. "You will be alright, and you will with your friends again soon. This I promise."
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Post by dawnstar7 on Sept 7, 2009 22:22:06 GMT -5
At his words, Erilynn smiled faintly, wanting to believe him. But as he'd pointed out, she was delaying his return to his companions. With excitement, and some trepidation, she approached the stallion. She accepted Tyden's hand, but declined his assistance with a slight smile. Lightly grasping Odin's mane, she jumped, angling herself up and to the side, and landed lightly on his back. Sliding her leg over his croup, she pulled herself into a sitting position, then turned and grinned down at Tyden
"Well? We don't want to keep your friends waiting, now do we?" she said. "Besides, I'm quite eager to meet these Guardians you keep speaking of."
She held out her hand, wondering if he'd take it, and waited for him to join her. She was indeed eager to get going, and couldn't wait to feel the smooth, powerful muscles beneath her at work. Besides, Tyden was right. She would see her friends again, of that she was sure. But she was, at this moment, in a position to meet new people and make new friends. It was a journey she was looking forward to, now that she wasn't facing it alone.
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