Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Feb 7, 2010 18:41:16 GMT -5
Iole looked towards the fire as Lilani spoke up. “We are setting off as soon as everyone is done having something to eat, so please get everything gathered together and ready to go once you have finished.” She turned her gaze back to Sapata, satisfied. "Well, looks like that settles it," she said ina soft voice. "And I have not a clue as to where we are going, but I'm sure the guardians have a plan. We wouldn't be walking just nowhere. At least I hope not...." The idea of getting quite lost did not appeal to the girl and a frown crossed her usually nearing happy face. Unconciously her right hand moved uptowards her mouth as an old habit she nibbled a little at the pointer finger's nail. The once full white area of the shiny nail diminshed in size.
The youth's pools of dark gold widened a little before she blinked and nodded quickly to the indian girl. "Of course, I'll be right there." Without another word she slinked away, cat-quiet, with a grace of much practice and slipped into her tent. She didn't have much to work with as a trash can so the gum was spit back out into the little piece of paper that had once had hold it, crumpled it up, and placed it towards the bottom of her bag away from the most important stuff. She surveyed the arrangement, zipped it all up, and wished that she had brought extra clothes. One pair she was wearing, the other yesterday, and the only other clothes were pajamas. She sighed and closed her eyes, black eyelashes coming down to help block out everything. Iole smoothed out her clothes before coming back out to eat. She fell in step behind Sapata and hoped that whatever the food was it tasted good.
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Post by pinkmoonbeam on Feb 9, 2010 14:03:27 GMT -5
As Sapata neared the camp's cooking fire, the smell of food wafted to her. There was a bubbling mash of grains, and a small bird glistened brown beside it. She looked around, found some bowls sitting nearby, and served both herself and Iole a bit of each. "I don't see any spoons.", she said apologetically, in between blowing on her porridge. "We'll just sip from the bowls. Everyone's too busy to bother. And it'll just mean less to wash up, anyway." She took a nibble of the meat while she waited on her gruel to become bearably hot. "Umm, it's good. Taste's just like pheasant. Too big to be the Adar, but still very good.", she giggled, her mood vastly improved by the food, and the company of someone she was at least familiar with. "I have to say that Kalidore is more like home than I thought at first." Just then a pair of Unicorns trotted by. "Well... in some ways, at least. I wonder where Asarte is..." Sapata perked as a thought came to mind. "Do you have a Unicorn compainion, Iole?"
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Post by Admin on Feb 10, 2010 10:33:59 GMT -5
On her way to the fire, Tia noticed Tiponi and Luminista standing off to one side and made a bee line for them. Tiponi seemed bothered by something, perhaps she just needed some breakfast. The young girl’s stomach growled in response to this thought and she picked up her pace slightly. The Guardians words only urged on her pace more as she did not want to miss breakfast before another long day of travelling. “Good morning!” she called to the pair as she approached waving. “We really should go and get a seat by the fire and have something to eat before we set off. One of the Guardians just said we were leaving like asap.” By this point she had reached them and came to a halt. She felt slightly awkward in the weird retro attire she had one, but at least she still had her own shirt on and thank the fates that she had had a small supply of makeup in her purse when she found herself here. Her eye shadow was done in vibrant blues, silvers and blacks to match the new skirt with all manner of accompanying black eyeliner. And as luck would have it, her newest spiky hairdo was one that didn’t need much doing, as it was intended to stick up at rather odd angles. So after sleeping in a tent all night and not having any product for her hair, it did not look too terribly different than the day before. Other than perhaps a bit more dishevelled. “Come on, we should go get something,” she said with a smile and motioned for Tiponi and Luminista to come with her.
Ryan had been sitting eating his breakfast when Sapata and Iole (who he did not recall meeting previously) settled themselves by the fire with their own bowls of breakfast. There was fortunately more than adequate seating near the fire, otherwise the young man was liable to wear his breakfast in his haste to make room for the young woman. As it was he stayed put and smiled warmly to both of them. “Good morning!” he said while self consciously running his hands through his hair. Pushing the crazy hair thought from his mind he finished the last of his breakfast before continuing. “How did you both sleep?” he asked amiably as he looked around for the means to clean his bowl. He realized the two had been talking quietly to each other and he had inadvertently interrupted. He looked apologetically at them as he located something to clean the bowl with.
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Post by geob on Feb 10, 2010 14:12:26 GMT -5
Tiponi gave the girl Tia a tentative smile and followed her to the fire. The flat spot in the hair on the back of the girl's head made her think of her own hair. She should probably take it down and put it back up. Surely there were stray strands that needed recaptured. This girl did not seem to be accustomed to making do out in the woods for she had taken the time to fix her make up. Tip, herself, didn't bother with such. Why, when usually there was no one around to see? She chuckled to herself as she looked over the camp with its many (at least to her) people. Okay, so there were plenty of people here to see.
Taking a bowl of breakfast and finding a place for both herself and Tia to sit Tiponi gingerly felt of her porridge to determine its temperature, poking a small portion to one side where it could cool and allow her two-finger spoon to scoop up the lump without burning the two fingers.
Once done with her meal she turned to Tia. Motioning to the girls hair she asked, "Would you like some help with the flat spot in back? Out here in the wilds it can be difficult keeping your hair. Although for the most part your hairstyle seems to be doing well. That is why I keep mine long," she added with a half smile. "No bed-head." With a bit of a chuckle at herself she fingered some of her own stray locks. "On the other hand, these stray strands can make you look rather ragged."
Luminista, who had tagged along for moral support, wondered if Tiponi had realized how long her speech had been. By far it was the most Luminista had heard the girl speak to anyone since there coming together. To this point Tiponi had only really spoken when necessary. Granted, Tip was not exactly relaxed. Luminista had noted the semi-wary glances Tiponi cast periodically to each of the men in the company.
Foehn Miri and Tien Mu made their way back to camp after spending the early morning hours out breaking their fast on rich mountain grass. As they pushed through the last line of foliage and broke into the camp proper they both paused to take in the scene. Everyone seemed to be up and stirring about. In fact, some of the tents had even been collapsed and/or packed. People were gathered about the fire eating. How they could eat that nasty smelling meat was beyond either mare, but to each their own. The cooked grain smelled good though.
The girl-child (Lyonee) that had joined the group was also by the fire breaking her fast. Foehn Miri had noticed her last night when she came into camp. Now curiosity claimed her. Making her way to the girl, she wondered how best to open a conversation. She was not familiar with the young of the companions. She hoped her size wouldn't intimidate the child.
Standing behind the girl, she lowered her head so it was at the child's level and beside her. "Good morning, young one. Is your breakfast as tasty as it smells?"
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 10, 2010 22:26:34 GMT -5
Tyden's eyes hardened but he didn't speak, and then Rhaine returned and Lilaini moved away to deal with the rest of packing. Just as well. He moved away from the group, pausing only to collect his bags and then heading to store of packs resting against a nearby tree. A saddle blanket was slung across one of the lower branches and he reached for it, pulling down and giving the coverlet a brisk shake; it was dry, and supple to the touch. "Arieon," he called briefly, turning to collect the rest of the harness that was hung on the branch above.
It had been agreed upon the night before by an insistent Areion himself that he should clearly take up his brother's place and bare the packload; as Rhaine had expressed interest in riding with Lyonee (and the motherly mare Gwyneira had warmly invited the tot to ride with her) it had all fallen tidily into place. The ivory stallion arrived eagerly, his coat newly preened and gleaming, looking forward to the weight of duty before him. It almost made Tyden smile. Almost; he was still far too riled at Liliaini to take pleasure in anything. His gaze traveled back to the campsite while his hands passed briskly over the stallion, efficiently smoothing away any disorderly hair with a quick brush in anticipation of the tack.
The Guardians were seeing to the breakfast, insisting it upon anyone who hadn't yet eaten. Tyden hadn't, but currently was without an appetite. At this rate, it would be another half hour before the meal was done, and a half hour again before they were truly packed and ready to go. A whole hour before they were on the trail, and the sun was rising determinedly; it felt as if the day would be unseasonably warm. Hot sun, blanching wind - it made for a hard day of riding across the exposed hills. Not to mention that half the party couldn't seem to ride...
Rhaine's face remained utterly morose over the loss of her silly map; of all useless artifacts to have pinned one's hopes to! Tyden knew the hills as well as anyone, and trusted his sense of the mountains far more then any old and crumpled peice of parchment. No, he'd never been to the Ruins of Al'therwen, but he did know where old elven glyphs were cut into the rocks, marking vanishing trails into the outer regions. There too, lay the remains of the mines. He used to play inside some of the old tunnels before age and experience taught him how ridiculously dangerous this was. If memory served, they were only a three hour's ride from there. Four maybe, with the current company. Five, if there was any continued lamenting about that lost map and tending to each and every whimpered booboo that occurred along the way... Beside him Arieon snorted politely as the girth tighten a little enthusiastically. Tyden paused, then let it out a ring; the stallion's long face pardoned him easily, clearly saying he was most accepting of any and all discomfort, were it for the good of the whole. The good of the whole... A whole lot of damn good he was being to them right now...
The saddle pack secure, Tyden stepped back, thoughts deep and funneling, and when his decision was finally made he caught up and handful of ivory hair and mounted skillfully. "Let's scout the trail ahead, find ourselves the easiest rout for the others to follow," he said crisply, his voice loud enough for the others to know his intentions. Then under his breath to Arieon, or maybe just himself, "we'll be back well before they break camp at this rate; I'll secure the rest of the packs when we return."
Rhaine, despite Lilaini's reassurance, felt no better about the lost map, and no encouragement could convince her to feel differently. Eventually, even Lilaini gave up, and moved on to more productive things. And certainly Rhaine herself was not being unproductive, but the gaiety had certainly gone out of the normally cheerful young guardian's step. After one last longing look towards the bags, she set about to gather the used dishes and scour them clean with gravel; the waterskins would be filled again before they left camp so rinsed them in turn with the remaining water before packing them into the bags. She couldn't help but notice how low were the remaining supplies; and how many days of trail lay ahead? While she didn't partake of meat frequently herself, she was glad for Tali and Bryn's offering to round out the fare. It seemed to bolster spirits, and proved that they wouldn't starve out here, should it come down to it. That was both a comforting and unnerving thought. Rhaine shook her head firmly and turned back to the dishes.
Still seated on log, Lyonee was NOT enjoying her porridge. It was unsweetened, unsalted, and lumpy. Lyonee didn't like porridge on the best of days, so bland and slopped into a bowl made for a most unappealing of entrees. When the long dark face of Foehn Miri appeared beside her, inquiring about the gruel, she seized the opportunity.
"Oh, the porridge quite fine, I am simply not hungry; you are most welcomed to it if you like," she held it under the mare's nose.
Of the unicorns, she was now completely at ease with, and considered her arrangement to be here and talking to them quite natural. She was looking forward to the promise of riding, made to her by the smokey cream mare Gwyneira, the one who had taken to wearing the talking plant about her neck. That nolonger seemed like a curious sight either, and she was eager to start. She cast a quick glance towards the Lady Rhaine, who was set to ride with her, and hoped she would not make a speech about riding on an unfilled stomach. It was just the sort of thing her Nanny would do, if she were here. Luckily the Lady seemed preoccupied so she hoped this all went without notice. Her gaze returned to the dark coppery unicorn beside her. "You can finish it all," she said obligingly.
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Post by geob on Feb 10, 2010 23:47:06 GMT -5
Foehn Miri's mouth watered as the delightful aroma of the porridge drifted up. Oh, how she longed to take a big mouthful. She eyed the barely touched meal and the slight form beside her consideringly. Granted, she knew nothing of human young, but she could not imagine they were that different from kore.
"You have hardly touched your meal, little one," she said. "Whether you are hungry now or not you will need the energy it will give you for this day is sure to be long and arduous."
The young girl's face fell in disappointment prompting a chuckle from the mare. "My name is Foehn Miri and I once had a kore who did not like to eat her breakfast clover. She much preferred Lana's sweet honey buns, still does for that matter. But it was only by eating her clover that she is now a strong, healthy yearling.
"I am just guessing here, but I suspect you would like to be a lady such as the Ladies Rhaine and Liliaini. For that to happen you will need to eat good things such as this mornings porridge."
Foehn Miri could tell the girl was not too happy with her speech. Murmuring words of comfort she nuzzled the Lyonee. "Come now. Eat up."
Tien Mu had watched Foehn Miri go off to visit with the young one then wondered over to a near by patch of grass and began to nibble, making her way around the outskirts of the camp. She soon came upon the dun kore with her nose buried in a scroll.
Grazing casually along she made her way closer until finally her nose was along side that of the kore's. "Waff you thudyin' there?" she asked as she munched her grass.
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Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Feb 11, 2010 23:46:25 GMT -5
Iole was only too happy to eat, accepting Sapata's help and eating heartily though what she deemed was still polite. She blew upon the hot meal, the last thing she needed was a burn tounge lost of taste. "Pheasant?" she couldn't help but say in wonder. "The closest thing to pheasant I've ever had would be turkey, duck, or chicken." She blinked dark golden eyes and smiled at the thought of being an indian girl, hunting for food with the spirits to guide her. "Ah, no," the girl admitted. "I have not a unicorn...companion. I have just barely arrived and I scarcely have seen much of the unicorns let alone talk." She smiled weakly and curiously looked up at Ryan as he gave them a friendly 'good morning.'
"Fine, thank you," came her short and not nearly close to the truth answer. Iole would prefer that no one knew nothing of her nightmare, it was just that, a dream. "You had a good rest too?" He seemed nice enough in her mind though she had never met him before. It looked as if the young woman would meet lots of both strange and somewhat familiar company throughout their journey from the strangest places. She wouldn't be surprised to meet someone from Russia at this point. With the fire crackling away and the fact that they were at a camp she could almost imagine that they were simply on a camping trip with friends and had invited some strangers also to roast marshmellow or something by the campfire. And if she stretched it more perhaps there were nearby riding trails which would explain the 'horses.' But of course, these were no horses. They were intelligent, speaking unicorns of myth and magic.
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Post by pinkmoonbeam on Feb 12, 2010 1:19:47 GMT -5
When her conversation with Iole was cut off by a masculine voice, Sapata tilted her face to see who spoke. It was the fair young man she had observed near the fire the night before. Now that she had realized he wasn't, in fact, a chief among these people, she felt more comfortable around him. So as Iole replied to his inquiry Sapata took a moment to study him in the light of day.
Her impression was one of good health, and good cheer. She might even have thought him handsome had his coloring not been so off-putting to her. She supposed she would eventually get used to seeing other skin and hair colors, but for now it was still a bit shocking.
She answered him, "My rest was well... though I can't say why there are so many tents. Wouldn't it make more sense to have one or two large communal tents? In my village we winter that way, and the body heat from so many people keeps us quite cozy. I do not understand the reason people wish to be apart at night when I'm sure there are dangerous creatures in Kalidore just as there are where I come from."
She shrugged. "But nevermind that now. I must learn the ways of Kalidore, since it seems I might be here for some time. Iole and I were just discussing Unicorns." She turned to her female company. "Iole, since you haven't bonded a Unicorn yet you'd be more than welcome to travel with Asarte and I, provided Asarte doesn't mind the extra rider. I'm sure you don't want to walk; who knows how long our journey will be?" She turned her gaze back to the man. "What about you... I'm sorry, I don't know what you are called! I'm Sapata, and this is Iole."
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Post by jadecorrine on Feb 18, 2010 0:01:58 GMT -5
Cheri dragged a comb through her wet hair and packed her toiletries back in their little baggie, which she then tucked into her backpack. The cup of tea she'd snagged earlier wasn't quite enough to start her day off right, but a quick head dunk in the icy cold stream nearby woke her up a little more. She longed for a mug of coffee, black as an old witch's heart and twice as strong, but didn't suppose they'd be passing a Starbuck's any time soon. She eyed the breakfast offerings and decided on a small bowl of porridge. Cheri wasn't much of a breakfast eater, but she supposed today would be a long day and she could use the extra boost.
She'd finished her small meal and was dabbing on a bit of eyeliner when Lilaini told them all to move their butts. *Hear that?* she sent to Alcyone, whom she couldn't see but must be nearby.
*Aye,* Cheri heard. *Ready when you are, but it doesn't seem the rest of the camp is quite moving. Perhaps you would like to meet the talking plant I spoke of?*
Okay, in what world would a talking plant not be cool? But from what she understood the mare that carried it was friendly with the little girl, and Cheri wasn't sure she was quite ready for that level of awkward. At least, not without coffee. Speaking of awkward, here came the girl with the pretty name – Iole, was it? - and the Native American girl she had almost met last night. Cheri still felt stupid for blundering into her conversation with Mr. Chivalry... who, she realized, was sitting on the other side of the fire from herself. Ryan must have come over while she was fiddling with her makeup. Cheri shoved her eyeliner in her bag and hopped up to find Alcyone. She was sure they were nice people, but right now she'd rather face the kid.
It didn't take Cheri long to find the sky blue mare. Once they had greeted each other with a mutual morning nuzzle Cheri looked around. “So, where's this verbose foliage you-- hey look, there's Tyden!” The man in question was tacking up Arieon and seemed preoccupied. She hadn't had the chance to speak to him last night, and she was quite curious about the goings-on with Ulysses. Would that, along with Ulysses and Odin's subsequent departure, account for his stormy mood? Maybe he just needed someone to talk to. Well, besides a narcissistic stallion, anyway. Not that Arieon had no right to be vain. After all, he was Cyne's sire.
Tyden told Arieon, rather loudly, that they'd scout ahead. Cheri looked at Alcyone. Alcyone looked at Cheri. *We're following them, aren't we, Cherry Blossom?*
*Not so far back they can't see us, but not too close, either. Sometimes a dude just needs his space, y'know?*
Alcyone didn't know, she hadn't much experience with “dudes,” but she was willing to take Cheri's word for it. Once Cheri was comfortably mounted, Alcyone started off after the pair's already retreating form.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 19, 2010 23:53:24 GMT -5
Lyonee was crestfallen (though somehow, not entirely surprised) when her offer of breakfast was refused, leaving nothing to do but eat it herself. While Foehn Miri stood looking over her shoulder, the child managed a large spoonful into her mouth, chewed, and swallowed. There. Now to do that about twenty more times and she’d be done with it… Movement beside them announced Gwyneira’s arrival, finished with her own breakfast and come to see how things were progressing here. The sack around her neck was quite; Mio had been up much earlier to complain about his state of being before falling silent again, Gwyn presumed, to sleep off the vegetable equivalent of a hangover. She wondered if the Lady Rhaine would be able to heal something like that, and would have given it a shot if the probable waking of the beast again hadn’t figured into the equation; sleeping peacefully as he was, it seemed a quality solution already. “And how are we all doing this morning?” she greeted the pair warmly. “You look quite bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning Foe! I would have to say the fresh mountain air does you good; I, personally, have been finding the air a little thin… I think I might have well put on a little weight with my last kore and am certainly feeling it now… Ah well, nothing a vitalizing day of romping through countryside can’t fix! And how are you today, wee Lyonee?” she peered down to the child at their feet. Lyonee had to swallow before she replied. She had surprised herself and made an impressive dent on the porridge, spurred on by her empty stomach. “I am well today, thank you,” she said, wondering what “thin air” was, besides what magicians made their glitter-clad assistance disappear into during the performance. If the air on Kalidore was thin, then that actually made perfect sense and explained how she got here; a pocket of thin air must have leaked onto earth, and she’d stepped in it, and poof! here she was. She swallowed her last spoonful of breakfast and asked, “shall we go riding now?” That was when the Lady Rhaine arrived to collect her empty bowl, and giving a kind smile to the mare replied, “if you have eaten your fill, and Gwyneira is willing, then perhaps she might take you for a walk around the camp while the rest of us are packing. I will join you when we’re ready to move out.” Lyonee turned from Rhaine to Gwyneira again, her eyes wide with want and the mare had to laugh, rubbing her head against Foehn Miri as she caught her breath. “I would certainly not want to be the one to disappoint,” she replied, reaching forward to wuffle the girl’s golden curls with her hot breath. Rhaine found the exchange made her smile despite how terrible she was feeling, and moved to give the girl a mount up. Once settled, she watched as Gwyn walked a few neat circles until Lyonee had settled, then off they went to explore the camp. Rhaine sighed, and found her mind drifting to another blonde-haired youth. She turned to Foehn Miri, “Pardon me, but I think it is high time I checked on Xanthe…” Xanthe looked up as Tien Mu’s mouthful of grass disappeared between nimble teeth. “Oh, the usual,” she sighed, which meant that all effort, spells seemed to garble into unintelligible and unusable knots inside her brain. Or maybe that was a sign she had done enough for today. Or at least for right now. Or at least until her grasp of the elven language was enough to properly differentiate the word for “truth” from “fruit squeegee”; the later sounded particularly unhelpful. She rolled the scroll back up again and placed it delicately back in the pack with her others. Just in time too! Rhaine was making her way towards them, and she would have certainly recognized the look of old parchment and start asking uncomfortable questions. “Are you finished packing?” the guardian seemed quite pleased to find the kore so neatly putting away her study things, and began gathering the pieces of Xanthe’s own packsaddle which had be laid out the night before. Xanthe groaned inwardly at the sight of it, and wished she hadn’t been quite so eager to carry her share of the burden. However, the brush-down Rhaine gave her before setting the harness into place was scrumptious, and it seemed to her by the end of it that the load might have been a little lighter then before. She must be toughening up, she smiled with to herself with satisfaction; at least if she failed at spell-casting she’d always be a good pack mule. “How’s that?” Rhaine secured the last bag and stood back. “Are we balanced?” To prove the point, Xanthe danced forward a few steps (and nearly into Tien) before twirling lightly about. The bells in her hair jingled. “Very good; now why don’t you see if Lilaini needs help? I’ll be along shortly.” As the core bounced away, she casually gathered up the few packs she’d omitted, resting on the other side of the broad black unicorn. “I think Areion or Gypsy will have room for these; I see no point in wearing out the kore, even if it does keep her out of trouble…” Lilaini was tying the last tent bundle when a jingling yellow blur landed in front of her. “I’m packed!” Xanthe announced brightly. The guardian’s green eyes careened over the rest of camp, making note of the bundles that still needed to be accounted for. Tyden, it seemed, had gone off and left them for her to do herself. Sure, he might have some decently altruistic motive of scouting ahead, but in the moment it was much more satisfying to be annoyed with him in lieu of the situation. She turned back to Xanthe. “Well, I am glad to see someone is,” she rose to her feet. “I am just about to load up Gypsy, and will need the cooking pots to pack. Then the water skins need to refilled for the journey—” “I can do that! Well,” she recalculated, “I can find someone with hands to do that!” and was gone in a poof of energetic dust before the guardian could agree otherwise. She cantered over to the fire circle where the fire had been recently put out and doused with the wash water from the pot. “Lilaini needs the pots!” she announced to the gathered ( Sapata, Iole, Tiponi, & Ryan at last count) “And we need to refill the water skins. And then we can go!” the enthusiasm lit her voice. Not, actually, now that Xanthe stopped to think about it, she had any real idea where they could possibly be going now; maybe that was part of excitement. * Away from the trees the air still had some bite to it, and Tyden hooked the last button on his dark blue tunic. Areion’s hooves traced over the tracks his two brothers had made the night before, until rock swallowed them back into the earth. Annoyance at Ulysses still coloured the edge of his mood, and the stallion once or twice brought his head around to test the wind as if to catch news of them. Part of him very much wanted to be with Odin, to question and press the prodigal son of Kaedon himself; the other half couldn’t have bothered to grant him such an audience. As it was, he was glad to carry on the quest with the Guardians and be working for the greater good of Kalidore. As a foundation stallion, this was his Kal-given duty after all, and not so often did it allow him such distance from his home range. He gamely enjoyed the change of scenery, even if the scenery inevitably played havoc with his carefully groomed attire. As they stopped on a rocky outcrop to survey the hills, Arieon discreetly went to work polishing his noble, dust-streaked hooves. The ride at worked to clear Tyden’s head of the morning’s dissonance; while he had never in his travels happened across the robust man who said, ‘there’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man’ he would have agreed with him completely, though wagered that unicorn made for a very suitable substitute. Well, almost; horses were that less likely to talk back at you! He’d also noted the echo of hooves behind him some time ago, but didn’t address them until the pair had stopped, and his gaze was drawn out over the valley. From here, the extent of the new rock slide which the others had met while fleeing the valley was visible; a fault line shifted its way through mountains. Such tremors were rare, but did happen from time to time as the isle shifted in its sleep. The quake itself – probably months passed by now – had likely been minor, but the cascade effect and worked to rearrange the lay of thing considerably, or at least shake to pieces his preconceived trail through the mountains. “It won’t be easy going,” he spoke out loud. “I think our best bet is cutting straight along the top of the ridge, and following the string across the mountain. I was hoping we could have followed the ravine, but… there’s not much of a ravine left to follow.” Admittedly, he was not familiar with route, but there seemed no better route to finding Al’therwen. If, of course, the mysterious ruins of Al’therwen felt ready to be found…
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Post by Admin on Feb 20, 2010 20:10:01 GMT -5
Tia inhaled her breakfast in a most unladylike fashion and wound up with a rather burned tongue for her efforts. But she was SO hungry. She hadn’t realized it until she had started eating, but she had apparently worked up quite an appetite while sleeping. She noticed the three sitting across the fire from them but had not yet been introduced. Another guy had appeared it seemed, she had been beginning to wonder if all of Kalidore was female, since even most of the Unicorns here seemed to be girls.
She was pulled out of her reverie by Tiponi’s arms failing in her direction. “Huh? Oh my hair,” she grinned and ran both of her hands through it and fussing it in several directions. “With no hair products here I have a feeling this is how it’s just going to have to look. Thank goodness I just had it cut and dyed recently. I have a feeling there aren’t too many hairdressers out here.” She was glad to see Tiponi was talking more. The girl hadn’t spoken to her much previously, and not that Tia needed another person to carry on an animated conversation, but she certainly preferred it. “Eventually, I’m going to run out of makeup too and having to wear hand me down clothes,” she gestured at her new attire, “it’s a good thing there aren’t too many guys on Kalidore, or it might almost worry me.” She laughed, and stood up to put both their bowls away.
Casting a glance in the direction her tent bag had been, she saw it had been taken off and only her purse (now stuffed quite full) lay there waiting for her. “Well it appears I’m packed and ready to go. Did you need help with packing anything else?” she asked.
Ryan had finished cleaning out his bowl and placed it with several others as both women responded to how their evenings had went. He was quite glad to hear they had went well, he had been so exhausted that sleep had taken him immediately. “Yes, thank you, I slept like a stone. I guess I was more tired than I realized,” he had turned back towards them and was slightly amused by Sapata’s unabashed once over. Unfortunately, the native girl’s look did not give off an impression that she was checking him out because she thought he was quite good looking but more as if he was some odd insect she’d never encountered before. Probably was the hair. He shrugged and gave a half crooked smile as she spoke. Communal tents and body heat, this certainly sounded like an improvement to him as well considered the women here outnumbered the men by 10 to 1 but he was too much of a gentleman to say that out loud, although the grin might have given his lecherous thoughts away.
“Yeah, there’s lots of things about Kalidore that take some getting used to. I haven’t been here very long either,” he replied as he settled himself back down on the log. “Oh, and I’m Ryan. I guess I should have mentioned that earlier. It’s nice to meet you Sapata, Iole.” He nodded at them both in turn and was about to offer to shake their hands but wasn’t sure if they would think this odd and so he remained still.
“And I am the Unicorn that Kal has suffered to be companion to this young man,” said a warm voice behind Ryan that caused him to jump. Knightly Cadence wandered up to the group with his usual look of joviality. Ryan gave the stallion a mock sour look and rolled his eyes. “This is Cadence,” he said as way of an introduction and was about to continue when a dun filly came bounding into their midst announcing departure and the need for water. Ryan stood up quickly and offered to go and refill the waterskins. “I’ll go, I did this task last night and therefore know where I’m going. But perhaps I’ll catch up with you two afterwards?” He waved and strode over towards Cadence. Throwing his leg over, he managed to look almost as if he knew what he was doing and the two set off with the water skins.
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Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Feb 20, 2010 21:18:03 GMT -5
"Iole, since you haven't bonded a Unicorn yet you'd be more than welcome to travel with Asarte and I, provided Asarte doesn't mind the extra rider. I'm sure you don't want to walk; who knows how long our journey will be?" "That's very kind of you, both of you," the girl replied, her face cheerful and pools of dark gold playful. "I would be happy to accept the offer, if it still stands of course." With that she seemed pleased though it suddenly occured to her that bonding with a unicorn, as a companion, was a most remarkable idea. Imagine, going back home with a unicorn at her side! She nodded at Ryan as her name was introduced and added a small smile that appeared more mischevious than friendly.
What seemed to be an energetic young unicorn suddenly appeared in front of them. “Lilaini needs the pots! And we need to refill the water skins. And then we can go!” Well, certainly someone was in a rush. Iole was amused and her lips curled into a smirk that she hid behind a hand, stretching it out into a yawn. She could see that someone else had also been amused though earlier, Ryan. The youth scarcely noticed the new stallion that pulled up before he was leaving with the young man and the waterskins. Knightly Cadence, wasn't it? A nice name, she approved, not that it mattered. "Bye..." she whispered, too late, as they had vanished already. The girl straightened and raised an eyebrow at the filly.
"Well.....pots then?" Iole said aloud to herself before looking at the indian girl. It seemed they were left to collect the pots, an easy enough business.
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Post by pinkmoonbeam on Feb 24, 2010 22:10:32 GMT -5
"Ah yes, I suppose pots it is... though since Ryan just took our waterskins it looks like we'll have to do our best to get them clean without actually getting them wet." Sapata bent to pick up her bowl, then Ryan's. She dumped a handful of gravel in each bowl, then swabbed the stones about with a clump of dry grass. Peering into the curve of one, she said, "Well, that will do until we camp again... at least the pack it's stowed in won't be smeared with food."
She glanced up and watched the yearling watch her gather the larger kettle. "Excuse me...," she addressed the kore, "But do you think you could go find Asarte for me? I'm Sapata, her companion. By the time Iole and I get the dishes done, it should be time to go, and I'd like to ask her something. She's easy to spot; shortish and wide, dark brown... oh, and you ran into her bum last night."
Trying to hide her smile from the young unicorn she turned quickly to Iole, and said, "I'll get Asarte over here, and we can speak to her about traveling together... will you get the other bowls?"
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Post by Delicious on Feb 28, 2010 0:06:44 GMT -5
((omg, rewind - 'cause Del can't just start from where everyone is - no, she has to go back to when she last freakin' posted which was AGES ago and get all of her characters up to speed. Whatta punk!))That night, Kyndrienn had slept the fractious sleep of a colt in throes of a massive sugar coma. After he had been introduced to the wonders of cocoa by the precocious little Lyonee, Kyn had tried his very hardest to consume his weight in the stuff - and was only slowed by the well meant chidings of Rhaine to stop before he gave himself a stomach ache. Even those admonishments had fallen on (mostly) deaf ears, and it was only several cups later when Kyn became unnerved by the way he was beginning to burp chocolate that he admitted to himself that maybe it was time to put an end to it. Unfortunately for the buckskin colt, by that time his belly was round with the stuff - and his muzzle and and front was liberally spattered with large chocolate flecks. The cocoa had been warm, hot even, and at the beginning Kyn had found it a pleasant comfort against the growing chill of the night. However, now that he had consumed close to a gallon of it, the heat and the weight of it was beginning to make him overly drowsy - and despite the sugar content of the cocoa that had originally had him chattering like an overactive pocketgryph - Kyn soon found himself barely able to keep his eyes open. It took some time for him to get comfortable - there was much squirming and rearranging of legs going on as he tried to find a position that was comfortable and didn't press on his overly full stomach - but eventually he managed to contort himself into an agreeable enough way, legs akimbo and partially wedged under one of the logs dragged near the campfire as a seat, and was soon fast asleep and snoring loudly - much to the chagrin of those who had been still trying to have a conversation around the fire. The cocoa did its work during the night - and Kyndrienn's dreams were riddled with strange sugar inspired phantasm's - strange chocolate monsters with gaping mouths and starfilled wings chased him across moving fields of rainbow colored yak-fur. So vivid and strange were the dreams, that the adrenaline rush they produced woke the colt from his slumber with a ragged whimper. The rest of the campsite was obviously sleeping - the fire banked, and only a faint glow visible from the coals. Despite the slumbering nature of the rest of the camp, his emotions still high from the almost nightmarish dreams (and the fact that the cocoa was beginning to press rather urgently on his colt-sized bladder), Kyn was unable to fall back asleep. Instead, clambering rather ungainlingly to his feet, he stumbled towards the edge of the clearing (managing to mostly avoid stepping on the many sleeping forms, and their corresponding limbs and manes). Once there, slightly on edge from the strange shadows and sounds that echoed through the mountain nights, Kyn managed to scoot out far enough into the brush and go about his business in fairly short order. As he started to pick his way back towards the campfire, and eventual sleep a familiar form caught his eye. Pasiphae, the bay mare having allowed her snit with Ulysses to set her out of sorts for the night - had pouted her way into a lonely corner of the clearing, and had eventually drowsed alone under one of the great trees. Kyndrienn, having little head for such social politics, had neither noticed her pointed aloofness from the group, nor likely would have recalled it this late at night had it made an impression. Instead, remembering the bay mare as a companion of nights past, and not so secretly yearning for a little bit of motherly comfort after his night of chocolate debauchery (though he would never admit it aloud!), gravitated towards her without a second though, and nestled closely against a warm flank. His eyes grew heavy, and with a heavy, sleepy sigh soon he was soon unconscious again - but this time his dreams played out softer and sweeter under the protective wing of his perceived maternal surrogate. Pasiphae, rousing slightly at the addition of the buckskin yearling, only opened an eye and noted his presence - too tired to consider moving, and really secretly appreciative of the company of another. When she closed her eyes again, she could almost imagine it another night of no-so-long-ago when she and Spirit would go a'wandering and sleep out together under the stars in the wild fields of Kalidore. The memory brought a faint smile to her lips, and she fell asleep, like the colt - amidst a sweeter field of dreams than she had before. A stone's throw away, Liam - on his watch for the night - observed the going's on with a smile of his own - glad that both colt and his prickly traveling companion had found at least a small amount of solace and comfort in each other. (And selfishly hoped that the next morning would find Pasiphae slightly more pleasant as a result). --- Indeed, early next morning, Pasiphae DID awake to a much better mood than the one before - not that, considering how foul a snit she was in, that was really saying much. Kyndrienn, ever the teenaged koros, was still soundly sleeping despite the growing noise of slowly awakening camp. Phae tried to cover a small snigger at his rather undignified pose, wedged as he was at her side, neck half contorted and legs practically waving in the air. She nipped an ear, tugging it gently. "Get up, you scamp. Otherwise some one will see you, and confuse you with one of the wolves, what with that silly way of sleeping." Kyn stirred, groggily, and opened one eye to stare up at the bay mare in total incomprehension. "Mrrgleflrrrrp....?" He gargled in question at her... at least she assumed it was a question due to the slight rise in pitch at the end, as it was otherwise completely unrecognizable in word or form. "You." She repeated, and pulled at one of his ears again. "Get up." She punctuated the order with another tug, before stiffly rising to her own feet. "I think they'll be breaking camp soon, and then we'll be off to ... well, wherever we're off to. Don't want to be left behind, do you?" She peered down at Kyn, who was still resolutely not stirring, and who had closed his eyes again as if in hopes the call to rise would simply disappear, or Pasiphae would. The bay mare rolled her eyes, and leaned down to nose him once more. "Up! Maybe if you're lucky you can ask for a little more of that ... cocoa you had last night. That certainly perked you up." The thought of cocoa definitely elicited a reaction from the colt - although not the one the mare intended - as the thought of more chocolate caused poor Kyn's stomach to roil a bit, remember the massive excess from the night before, and he groaned. "Dun' wanna... urk. Cocoa...s'evil, 'tis." He muttered and shuddered slightly, the words garbled and barely understandable. "Oh, stop being a baby." Pasiphae snorted. "Might as well have stayed home if you're going to act such... I've no time for this." And with that the mare huffed and stalked off in search of breakfast, leaving the sprawled colt to his own devices. Kyn, resolute in his conviction that now was simply too early to be waking up, tried his best to return to dreaming... but with the lack of that warm, velveted side of the mare to curl up against, was having some problems succeeding. Finally, head lolling and unsteady with sleep, he climbed to his feet... of a mind to stagger a bit closer to the newly stoked (and warmer) fire towards the middle of the campsite, and resume his nap. On his laborous way there, however, he noticed one of the tent's had a half open door flap. He managed to focus his eyes long enough to notice that it was the Lyonee's curls on the pillow inside... and decided that the opportunity of a nice, warm, noise-sheltered sleeping spot was just too good to pass up. Stumbling over to the tent, he managed to collapse (in a not TOO loud a fashion) in a bonless heap at the entrance... and semi-sort of wedged himself inside. It was warm, and wonder of wonders - even had a spare supply pack to rest his head on. Kyn, sighing contentedly and mentally commending the little girl for being even more wonderous to befriend than he had previously imagined, soon found himself fast asleep on her tent floor. --- Elsewhere in camp, and a good bit later, Liam, having finished his (and the rest of the camp's) morning preparations to his satisfaction - took the lull as the rest of the rabble awoke and breakfasted, to get in a bit of sword practice. It had been a good while since he'd has a blade of his own, and even longer since he'd put himself through his soldierly paces, being mostly occupied with either goggling at the Kalidorian surroundings or being laid up wounded by its inhabitants. Having spent the early morning hours during his watch musing on his inefficiency thus far on his adventures in Kalidore, he was of the strong opinion that he was LONG overdue for some training. Therefore, calculating that he had at least a half hour before he'd be needed again, he took the opportunity to get in a bit of back and forth with some invisible foes at the far edge of the clearing. Nothing too strenuous - mostly just testing the edge of his reflexes and flexibility with his new wound, and nothing too loud so as to hopefully avoid too much attention (especially from a certain dark haired Guardian).
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Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Feb 28, 2010 18:50:43 GMT -5
"Ah yes, I suppose pots it is... though since Ryan just took our waterskins it looks like we'll have to do our best to get them clean without actually getting them wet." Well....that made it hard. Iole sighed in defeat and brushed her long hair away from her golden-brown eyes. "Let's get to work then...." She moved quickly to get everything over with, collecting both the bowls and other cooking pots after Sapata or her cleaned them. Or those the indian girl had not collected. After a splatter of some earlier meal had gotten on to her clothes, the girl washed and collected more carefully. Unless she had something, like a paper towel, it would propably leave a stain. Too bad.
"Oh, sure! Right away...ma'am." Iole rushed to help gather the rest of the bowls after the youth had called and wondered if she shouldn't have added that last little bit. That is, until she thought it over and decided it didn't sound rude or anything. She clumsily stacked the bowls at first until they almost fell over and redid them quickly. Once this was done with, they could get going.
(Edit: Edited)
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 3, 2010 22:19:29 GMT -5
Xanthe nodded gamely to Sapata’s request, vaguely remembering the last evening’s incident. She trotted off in the direction the young woman motioned, and soon came upon the stout bay mare with her nose in the greenery. She admitted the round, bay bottom did look somewhat familiar. “ Astarte?” Xanthe cleared her throat politely, and, using as formal a voice as she could muster, “the Lady Sapata requests your presence at the fire pit at your soonest connivance. We are to be heading out shortly.” No sooner the words spoken then a summons touched them both, the guardian’s wishes conveyed efficiently to group. *Gather yourselves together, we are taking leave*“Very shortly!” Xanthe’s ears perked in anticipation. She wondered if she was supposed to wait and accompany Astarte back (this was likely part of the job for the messenger, she reasoned, to ensure the message was completely delivered). Then again, she also had to report back to Lilaini to assure her that her request had been met as well. And, most importantly, she had to find where Liam was, and scout out a good spot along the line to watch him… “I – have to go!” the dun kore blurted to Astarte before dashing off towards camp leaving dust trails in her wake. * At the Guardian's summons, Gwyn and her little rider turned and made their way toward the group gathering at the centre of the clearing. The Lady Lilaini was already astride Gypsy, and making note of each person as they arrived. Gwyn made her way to Rhaine’s side, bumping politely against the guardian’s arm to let her know they were there. “Where are we going to go now?” Lyonne chimed before the crowd. It seemed to be the general query of the group, and Lilani smiled down at her. By this point everyone had arrived and there was no point putting it off further. “Good people of Kalidore and guests alike; our journey into the Skyfields has been full of unexpected challenges and revelations, and I must say I admire the strength and willingness of our group to meet them all. Last night we met with Ulysses, and Odin remains with him still; our quest if half-completed. All that remains is now to seek the ruins of Al’theren as the Daiga saw that night dreaming. There, I believe, we will find our conclusion.” In retrospect, Lilaini wished she hadn’t quite used that phrasing; it was a little ominous, to say the least. She decided to blame this poor choice on account of Tyden, who had not yet made his return and was probably having fun somewhere exploring the route. She made it her mind that the group should catch up so she could put and end to this as swiftly as possible, and the thought worked to brighten her mood considerably. Rhaine had her satchel slung over her shoulder and ready to go, and as much as she was still mourning the map, was determined to put her best face forward. She greeted the pair brightly, her eyes casting down to briefly source the sound of snoring that seemed to emanate from the bulging and leafy sack at the mare’s chest. “I’m glad to find you both eager to go. I think we will have quite a ride ahead of us.” “Will do me well, undoubtedly,” Gwyneira primed, holding still so the woman could mount, easily seating herself behind the child. “I look forward to the exercise!” “And I want to see the mountains;” Lyonee’s eyes lifted from the trees to what lay beyond. “Gwyneira said they are ever so beautiful this time of year. My family and I went to see the mountains, but only from a distance; mother was afraid the air would not be good for me, though farther said it was a cure-all. Instead we had a picnic by the river, and Olivier was stung by a bee. I’m sure the bee had good reason to,” she concluded. “We shall have both, in multitudes,” Rhaine assured them both. Once she had settled, her mind moved throughout the group, sensing from them what she could; a little apprehension, and hint of worry, but for the most part there was eagerness to be off and for the journey ahead. The feeling warmed her, she turned to Lilaini. “ Gypsy will lead us, and we shall keep watch over the back; if we take care of our pace, I see no reason to stop until noon-day.” Her friend nodded, and the bronze mare bowed her head in accession. Through the trees the dappled sunlight glinted as the wind blew, stirring the branches and bringing to Gypsy’s nostrils a taste of the wilds beyond. The mountains lay emense before them, a labyrinth of rock and sky, and somewhere in their midst lay Al’therwen. She had been there once, when she was but a wee kore, playing still at her damn’s side. Then it had been a glittering and vibrant city, hewn by elven hands from out the stone; time rose, wars fell, and stone had claimed the city back again. Her nostrils flared, reading the hint of ages past that lingered there still; was it enough to bring her to Al’therwen? Then again, there wasn’t much of an alternative. She felt her companion’s mind brush against her own, sensing her worry, and the mare brushed it aside. “Shall we find out what Arieon and Tyden have got up to?” she grinned, seizing the woman’s own mood instead. There was no need for further discussion, and with a nod to the others Gypsy and Lilaini set a brisk pace up the trail. Behind, the other unicorns and companions would fall in one by one. Gwyniera waited until the final unicorns pulled in before falling into line; from here Rhaine could watch everyone. She spied Tali moving swiftly through the brush, unable to stick to the straight trail but needing to investigate everything along the way. His antics reminded her of Xanthe and she had to chuckle, her eyes picking out the dun kore settled not too far ahead. She imagined this placement was only temporary, she couldn’t imagine the filly anywhere but at the front of the line to greet everything at once. It was then her gaze found Liam (shortly finished from his calisthenics, which luckily for him the Guardian had not seen) securing his sword into its scabbard and straightening his boots for the march ahead. “Surely the day has not found you short a mount?” Rhaine keenly inquired. The morning’s altercation had pressed on her mind, and the point, in receipt, still bruised her. “ Tyden may well vouch for your health, but I for one would like that insured. However, in light, I can but bespeak that you are not tiring your self out so young in the day; the results would displease me. A truce then?” she appealed to the soldier benignly.
((And Here Begins This Month's Kalidore Karrot Collections!))
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Post by jadecorrine on Mar 3, 2010 22:51:17 GMT -5
Alycone pulled up next to Tyden and Arieon at the lookout point. She nodded to her sire.
*Greetings, Arieon. You're looking splendid this morning.* She knew she was pandering to him, but couldn't help the friendly compliment. He'd been so helpful and willing to step into his brother's hoofprints. It must be stressful, and yet he still managed to keep the gleam in his mane. It made her smile to see him not only embracing his new role and encompassing the needs of others in his view, but still remain the lovable stallion he'd always been.
Cheri looked out at the landscape, not really sure what direction Tyden was planning on taking their little band of adventurers. He was certainly right about the ravine, though. She gazed at the fresh scree and didn't think it would be conducive terrain to hoof or foot. Or paw, she thought, reminding herself of the wolf that accompanied their party.
“The ridge does look safer,” she replied. “I wouldn't want to get caught in another one of those landslides.” Alcyone shuddered almost imperceptibly under her and she laid a hand against her neck. “So, that was the elusive Ulysses, I take it? He seemed to be pretty upset when he left.” Cheri didn't want to ask him any outright questions. Sometimes it was better to let someone open up in their own time, but that didn't mean she couldn't prod him a bit. She turned to look at him for the first time since they'd started out, a little half-grin on her lips. “Must have been catching.”
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Post by Delicious on Mar 8, 2010 22:48:49 GMT -5
Liam froze at Rhaine's address, sure at first that he was again going to be chided for taxing himself unnecessarily. However, as she continued, it was obvious that she had missed his (other) early morning exertions, and the soldier was momentarily relieved. That is, until she reached the comment about a mount... then he tensed again, and glanced about uneasily. Pasiphae he noted, cursing his luck, was of course no where to be seen.
"Aaah... yes'm. Not that ... ai've e'er had aught te' quarrel wi' ye Lady. An' would hate te' displease ye in any case. As such .... ai've a mind te' find myself a companion o' the four footed sort ... so if ye'd excuse me...." And hoping that his attempts at reconciliation were good enough to distract the concerned Guardian from worrying about him further, the blond soldier hastened ... elsewhere. Once completing his highest priority (simply getting out of verbal summoning range of Rhaine), he was of a mind to seek out his prickly bay traveling companion, or any other affable unikore... but should he not locate any of that sort, hoped to at least move with the group far enough away to be out from under the worrying gaze of the brunette Guardian.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Mar 8, 2010 23:17:59 GMT -5
The pair’s approach caused Arieon to hasten his fidgeting and by the time his daughter pulled up along side he was standing stately upon hooves that gleamed. He bowed his head elegantly at her greeting. *And same to you, my dear. Though I would say,* he added in complete modesty, *it is a gift of the splendiferous morning that brings out such qualities in her peers* Also, he needed to stall while he tried to remember the mare’s name. Some stallions (such as Odin and Falling Star) seemed to have no trouble recalling their various sons and daughter from multiple seasons past; and, even more astoundingly, their dams. Areion was not one of those stallions. He knew his get when he saw them – truly, they were some of the most handsome on the isle, if he did say so himself – but the finer details always seemed to allude him. Luckily at that moment Cheri was speaking, and attention turned to the riders. At her remark, an expression slid sloppily across Tyden’s face. “Touché,” he bore the grin. Nothing like being called on one’s mood to bring to light how ridiculous it was, and he brushed it aside. Besides, it was not like he’d gone galloping off in a childish snit… he shifted shortly in his seat and cleared his throat. “I will most definitely make a point of avoiding landslides,” he quipped, “and if we travel the ridge, we should reach the runic markers by mid-afternoon.” Whether we are any closer to Al’therwen by then will remain to be seen. He considered the other half of her question, and the fragments Lilaini had related from Gypsy. Odin, not unusually, had remained silent on what transpired between the two; if there was useful information to be given, he would, but until then the silence was natural but complete. “While we had hoped Ulysses might have proved more… helpful—” Arieon snorted loudly here, as if expelling a fly from his bronchioles “—I suppose his mood can’t be too surprising for one who’s held the experiences he has. Unhappy childhood,” he winked. “Unhappy childhood my arse—” the stallion expelled in a low breath before a squeeze from his rider cut him short. * * Lyonee sat quietly through the adult's exchange, her eyes mostly on the strange man below them. She had heard mention of him the night before, and during the morning's organization. Apparently he was a soldier. Her face scrunched as she scrutinized him. He didn't look like a soldier; the soldiers that marched in parades were always so clean and trim, matching in uniform and polish. This soldier wasn't polished at all. In fact, he was downright scruffy looking. He was badly in need of a shave and haircut, and his clothing was simply not the sanctified soldier attire. She might have been frightened, had she come across such a stranger on her own, but sensibilities prevailed and said he did not fit the look of a Fairyland villain either. Besides, none in the group seemed abjectly unfriendly, if not a bit strange. She felt even more silly for being afraid of him, when after all, this could well be another Test. When he was done speaking, bravado to counter this fear found her voice. After all, her father had always taught her to question fear; (her nanny had always taught that children should be seen and not heard, but that seemed a rather unproductive route here). So she queried, politely: "What kind of a solider are you exactly?" And then, thinking, that such an unqualified inquiry as that was probably unspeakably rude, she added for familiarity and warmth: "My great uncle was a soldier; he died."
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Post by Admin on Apr 25, 2010 8:37:01 GMT -5
Gypsy and Lilaini travelled in silence. The Guardian had made a few attempts at conversation, and while the bronze mare would engage and converse with her, she could tell it was forced and that the mare’s mind was elsewhere. So after a few attempts, she resolved to stay silence and leave Gypsy to her inner musings for a time. She would need to concentrate to be able to lead them back to the ancient city of Al’therwen. The mare had said she had not been there in an extraordinarily long time, but of their party, she was one of the few who had ever been there at all. Therefore, she was their best option.
Gypsy moved at a steady pace, one that was good at covering distance but one that would not quickly fatigue the human’s among them that were on foot. They had not been travelling a great deal of time before they overtook Tyden and Arieon who were standing inspecting the landscape with Cheri and [lightsteelblue]Alycone[/color]. By the way that Tyden was easily interacting he was no longer as annoyed as when he left the clearing. Good, the guardian thought, because she had almost felt a bit badly about what she had said. But seeing as it wasn’t even affecting him, it saved her the ordeal of trying to apologize in some manner.
“So,” she began as they pulled up next to the others. “What has your scouting found for us?”
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Post by jadecorrine on Apr 27, 2010 19:27:34 GMT -5
Cheri frowned at Tyden's words. Unhappy childhood? She'd gotten the impression that dysfunctional families weren't really the norm here in Kalidore. Besides, wasn't Ulysses full brother to Arieon and Odin? They seemed fairly well-adjusted. Cheri opened her mouth to ask about it when she heard hooves behind her.
Alcyone tossed her head a bit when Cheri tried to shrink into her mane. *She asked a question, Cherry Blossom,* Alcyone reminded her. *She won't bite if you answer.* Cheri regarded Lilaini, whose countenance exuded warmth and geniality. No, she wouldn't bite. Cheri didn't think the woman had it in her to be mean-spirited. Still, the question asked was one likely directed at Tyden, and Cheri didn't think she wanted to intrude on them. At first she'd assumed they were a couple, but since she got funny looks whenever she alluded to it she was beginning to wonder. Never assume, right?
Suddenly it occurred to her that if they were an item, then she, Cheri, had just run after Lilaini's man after he'd huffed off alone. Oops. Cheri herself was not jealous and wouldn't have thought anything of it, but not many women were as tolerant as she. Maybe she should try to make friends with the Guardian, just to show her she meant no harm.
“The ridge.” Cheri cleared her throat as the entire group, unicorn and human alike, turned to stare at her. “Ah... follow the ridge to the, erm, runic markers, yes? Um, can I ask what we expect to find there?” Her face heated to what she assumed was a deep crimson as she tried to use the question to deflect attention away. She couldn't help a sigh of relief when she felt Alcyone's approval and reassurance nudge her mind.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Apr 29, 2010 19:52:40 GMT -5
Liam was actually glad for the child’s deflection, the Guardian’s focus lifting from him with gentle amusement. He wasn’t terribly used to children, what with life in the ranks, but at least they didn’t baffle and completely undo him like the rest of the company. At her question he followed her gaze down to review his attire more critically, the borrowed shirt and hard-wearing trousers of which the least of its problems being it needed a good wash. “What kind, aye?” he considered, which in truth was a very valid question. A soldier he’d been some fifteen years now, a familiar life that had suited him and provided him with direction and purpose; after all, wasn’t that what a man should hope for in life? And with such a life, he’d felt contented, even fulfilled. Certainly he’d been wanting nothing. And yet now… he wasn’t entirely certain suddenly he’d be so terribly contented to go back. So just what kind of a solider was he – and then Lyonee related the predicament of her great-uncle. “Ack, sorry t’hear that…. hopefully a mite better ’un then he?” At once Liam was properly mortified, remembering his company were not surly and crude-eared army men but a child and a Lady of Kalidore. He tried to formulate an apology, when he caught from the corner of his eye the grin which had spread across the youngster’s face, and Rhaine was speaking. “Liam is indeed a fine soldier; perhaps one night he shall tell you of his battle with fearsome horned cavebear; we will have to pester him about that later!” There was no farce in her voice either – which is what Liam personally would have called that particular battle – and the child’s attention was drawn away and imagining just what miraculous beast a horned cavebear was. Rhaine glanced ahead now too as Liliani eased Gypsy into a lope and they broke ahead of the rest. “I suppose we had better keep up,” she addressed them all, giving Gwyniera a gentle squeeze with her legs (the mare, never having had a rider, nonetheless made quick work of the meaning a started forward). She smiled towards the solider once again. “Seems you should then be getting to that mount of yours too, before she takes it in her mind to go seek Ulysses herself,” and the trio trotted delicately away over the rocky soil. * If he’d sensed her approach Tyden gave no indication, and even when Lilaini pulled up and spoke, he kept his focus carefully tuned on the expanding vista ahead of them. But when Cheri rose to fill question he relented, a grin marking his approval. “That would be infamous Al’therwen,” he answered her. “What I expect to find is a whole lot of elven rubble, but if we’re lucky, a functioning Gate, and possibly a dragon or two to boot. Failing that… some of the rubble is quite pretty (or so it’s been told) and it’s a nice day for a ride anyways. Sight-seeing, really… just your regular ol’ magically-inert traveling tour group…” he gaze slid pointedly towards Lilaini. The group at this point was pooling up behind them and Gwyn slipped nimbly through the mares to bring Rhaine alongside. The young woman caught strands of the conversation, her attention drawn to the advance of broken mountains beyond; they seemed so immeasurably vast, and the group by comparison so small. “If there is a waking Gate, likely Lilaini or I will be able to sense it once we are closer,” she added thoughtfully, missing the small but further pinching reaction the comment drew from cream stallion’s rider. “All the same, what I would do to have that map with us.” “What I would do to have you stop calling that archaic and illustrative whimsy a map,” Tyden sighed, the comment meant mostly in jest but had an edge to it, which caused Rhaine to turn from the mountains and regard him. “Besides, following the ridge is the most suitable execution through the hills, prescribed route or not, short of gating us their directly. Which really isn’t a viable option.” He kept the implication from his voice, but it was there plainly enough for the telepath and the empath, who, despite Kal’s god-given gifts, were not without their limitations, too. *woo, more!*
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jul 15, 2010 14:18:57 GMT -5
Lilaini's delicate brows furrowed ever-so-slightly at the man's remark. Ever-so-slightly her grip on the bronze mare's mane tightened, and braced for recoil. *Now, my sweet,* the calming swell of Gypsy's presence touched her mind before anything transpired (there was a particularity good throwing rock, about two feet away, that the woman was cannily eying), *it has been a long night, and difficult last few days. You are all torn and tired, and we have a ways to go yet. Despite all, you have the same ambitions at heart, and besides, these petty squabbles will not bring the ruins any closer.*
Her eyes did not loose their steely look, but her fingers softened. *One rock wouldn't hurt,* she huffed silently.
Gypsy chuckled, stretching to nibble at her bootlace. Her young rider's flood of youthful emotion was always strangely refreshing, if only because it reaffirmed for the seasoned mare she herself was not so old, all things considered; the age of unicorns was at best immeasurable. She felt herself relaxing finally, not realizing what tension she'd held until it began to ebb away. Her ears pricked at something in her peripheral, but Lilaini had begun talking again and her attention wavered.
"Very well, the ridge it is. Gypsy and I can blaze the trail, and hopefully, the rest should be easy following." Gypsy's ears swiveled again, perking towards the west.
Tyden seemed set to say something, then settled back onto the cremello stallion leisurely. "Blaze away," he canted towards the hills with a sweeping gesture of his hand.
Lilaini's gaze was stony, but she turned from and instead addressed the rest of the group. "We have a good day of riding ahead of us, following the ridge. It would do well to follow closely, and watch your feet. Gypsy will set a comfortable pace, and I hope we will be at the foothills of Al'therwen by nightfall. Furthermore, it's pertinent that we-- hhuh--"
Gyspy turned abruptly, cutting Lilaini off in mid-sentence, and set out in the opposite direction. No, her ears had not been deceiving her; the gully beyond muffled the sound until you were almost upon it: a most unusual sort of wailing, quite unlike anything she could place. And despite the duty that befell her to care for her companion and their party and perusing the mission at hand, something in that noise compelled her follow.
She ignored the questioning probing from her companion and crossed the ridge, making her way down the pitted stones of the embankment. The pitch leveled shortly and spread into a scraggly crop of gnarly trees that clung to the stone and defied the arid soil by growing to full height – no mighty oak be sure, but a broad and crowning canopy that made the perfect seasonal abode for skycats. In the tallest tree a huge nest was sprawled messily, the circumference easily the size of Lilaini’s whole cabin. The ground below was littered thick with discarded bones and pellet casts, and orbiting above was the avifelis family themselves. This consisted of a spotted female and her azure-shouldered mate with the season’s three chicks, fully fledged now but still molting and looking rather scruffy in comparison to their sleek parents.
They were only half of the squalling, and the direction of their dismay comprised of the other half. That, was in their nest. Or through it, for even as the bottom end of the creature was projected up, tail and legs flailing, and another pair of limbs just visible below where they protruded through the nest’s brambly floor. There were also a pair of wings, but only one of these were moving, and only slightly, whenever the back legs lost footing and began flailing again. The tail, smooth and tapered, was spaded at the end and could do nothing more then helicopter the air uncoordinatedly as it tried to swat the griffons who flew by.
Gypsy blinked. The creature was gleaming indigo, licked through with silver, and even with its head buried deep in the mess their was no confusion as to what it was. Behind her she heard the group stumble into silence as the unicorns came to the same conclusion. Lilaini had leaned forward into her copper mane, green eyes wide and incredulous. “Is that… a dragon?”
From the nest, the forlorn creature let out another up-side-down wailing. “I believe it is,” said Gypsy blankly.
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Leopardstar
New Member
Leaping, dancing, unicorn stalking.
Posts: 40
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Post by Leopardstar on Jul 17, 2010 14:17:19 GMT -5
Iole had finished cleaning and packing away the dishes with Sapata's help, working together efficently as a team. Then it was time to 'hit the road' and get moving again. She rejoined the main group, keeping a sharp lookout for Sapata and Asarte who had said that she may ride with them if she so chose. It was a friendly offer and one the girl decided she might just take up. (OOC: *Pokes Pink*) Though it would have to be later on in the journey, when her feet grew sore and ached to rest. Then it would be a good time. If they had cars here...it would be so much faster! Some of the newer 'green' cars, Iole would hate to ruin the beautiful enviroment here with even the smallest amount of pollution. Perhaps it was for the best...
“Good people of Kalidore and guests alike; our journey into the Skyfields has been full of unexpected challenges and revelations, and I must say I admire the strength and willingness of our group to meet them all. Last night we met with Ulysses, and Odin remains with him still; our quest if half-completed. All that remains is now to seek the ruins of Al’theren as the Daiga saw that night dreaming. There, I believe, we will find our conclusion.” Her dark-gold eyes widened as she looked at Lilani. So, they were to go to some sort of ruins filled with who-knows-what. It sounded dangerous...and quite exciting. Just like in any good story. The youth walked mostly in silence, surveying the land of Kalidore in all of its glorious beauty. The sounds, the sights, the feelings...and it all was no trick or dream. Iole was determined to stay as long as she could and find herself her own companion, a special unicorn that was hers and hers alone.
Kalidore's mountains seemed different from Earth's own. Or perhaps it was just these mountains that seemed so different. Her face tilted upwards to look up at the mighty peaks and felt a small shiver go down her spine. Was it one of excitement or fear? As they went onward, Iole began to find her curiousity further and further aroused. When Lilani began to speak again she looked at the woman and wondered what was coming next. "We have a good day of riding ahead of us, following the ridge. It would do well to follow closely, and watch your feet. Gypsy will set a comfortable pace, and I hope we will be at the foothills of Al'therwen by nightfall. Furthermore, it's pertinent that we-- hhuh--"
The young woman frowned and sharply looked at Gypsy wondering what was going on. When the mare began to walk away with Lilani on her back, she looked around at everyone else in wonder. "What are they doing?" she said aloud. Iole recieved no immediate answer and sighed softly. She slowly began to walk after the pair until she found herself standing nearby them, gazing up at the huge tree. "Woah," was all she said in amazement. "That has to be the biggest tree I've ever seen." Then she noticied the inhabitants and in particular an indigo scaled creature. What mythical creature...? First unicorns then griffons, now dragons! Why, Kalidore was simply stuffed to the brim with magic. Everything soon was quite silent.
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Post by geob on Nov 9, 2010 11:54:57 GMT -5
Tiponi found herself atop Luminista in the van of travelers as they caught up to That M…er, Tyden. She didn't really pay much attention to the discussion that followed. Instead she was taking in the scenery and absorbing the companionship she shared with the mare between her knees.
The party moved out again. Tiponi tightened her legs through the start of motion, but quickly allowed a measure of tension to ease as she settled into the motion. Before she knew it or was really ready she was getting *Hold on.* from the star-dappled mare just as said mare was heading down a stone-pitted embankment. Tip gasped and clamped her legs as hard as she could. This riding thing was… well, she wasn't quite sure how she felt about it. She did know she was relieved when they stopped again.
The girl was just about to slid off of Luminista when the add noises penetrated her consciousness. Looking around, her eyes fell upon the ignominiously captured beast and all she could do was stare. At yet another odd beast. At least this one wasn't threatening her. Yet.
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