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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 24, 2009 16:12:37 GMT -5
By the time Rhaine made it to the kitchen she had re-packed her bag three times and would have a forth if not Muse prodded her, firmly, in that direction; the rationalization that she had already repacked twice the night before too did not seem to pacify the girl, who probably would have packed the whole temple before her needlessly worry was appeased. She found the kitchen bustling and full, in the midst of final preparations. In the centre, Lana was packing the result of her morning’s activities snuggly into Xanthe’s saddle packs while the young unicorn stood proudly in place, not even tempted to steal nibble, so resolute was she in her duty. Tyden stood beside the table, contemplating the delicate map which Muse had provided, another plateful of Lana’s scrumptious omelets balanced in one hand. He looked up as Rhaine drew near, moving to give her space to sit and pushed the craft of hot porridge into view. “Dressed the part, I see,” he greeted benignly. “Now eat something before we head out.” Rhaine shrugged the offered bowl away, swinging the long braid behind her back as she leaned over the table. She was dressed simply in dark pants and tied boots, her embroidered shirt long and loose and gathered about the waist with a sash. Her heavy red cloak was under her arm; too warm to wear now, but no doubt it would be needed later. She considered the old elven map thoughtfully. “Any luck?” “Well, it has some of the old mining sites here, and here,” he pointed. “But otherwise it’s completely useless. Could do better without it, I think; I know this first section of hills quite well anyways. Eat,” he proffered a spoonful of eggs towards her. “And what of the other sections? where we’re expected to find the ruins?” She hesitated a moment longer before taking a bite. Tyden waited while she chewed and then prepared another. “We’ll follow the mining trails. If there was a settlement in the mountains, it would make sense that it was to supply the mines. The visual cues of the surrounding area should be more telling then any dusty old map. We won’t need it.” “I will be glad we have it,” she quipped lightly, “for as good as your natural instincts may be, I seem to recall a certain incident involving the search for elven gold that ended rather abruptly when—” “Chew,” a large spoonful was pressed forth with gusto, giving her little choice in the matter. Tyden passed her a cup of water to make sure it went down. “I was twelve; surely you’re not still sore about that. And I would have gotten us out well enough, had Mare Imbrium not arrived just then.” “We’re taking the map,” Rhaine said firmly, once she had swallowed. “Fine; take it, if there’s any room left in your pack,” he smirked. He noted a certain glint to her eyes and decided now would be a good time to go check on those pack. He placed what was left of his plate in front of her and grabbed another bun from the rack on his way through. Beyond the kitchen’s main doors opened the great central chamber where Muse and Odin stood beside the Daiga, talking quietly. The old woman turned and smiled at his approach, reaching way up to place her hands gently on each side of his face; Tyden stooped slightly so she wouldn’t have to stretch. “So you are ready then, my boy?” she began, regarding her adopted grandchild fondly. “May you have good weather for your journey and Kal’s smile upon your back. Take care of the others, but also, mind yourself. And never take the mountains for granted, no matter how unpresuming they may appear; it is often the clearest peaks that hide behind them storms.” “Aye, Dai’… you’ve been telling me that for years. When has it ever got the better of me?” He shrugged, allowing her to plant a kiss on his forehead before letting him go. “I hope Ulysses lives up to the stories you have all spun about him, or at least what you’ve implied, through omission,” he quirked at the unicorns. “And frankly, what possibly have we to worry about within Kalidore’s boundaries?” “The Gates are open now,” the Daiga reminded gently, “and while we here are blessed by Kal’s governance, we are no longer hidden from the rest of the world.” “Hidden or not, what difference?” Muse was thoughtful. “The Gates were open before, and it was not so terribly different then; in fact, those were good times, as I recall… the war passed, the universe full of gratitude and good will… surely those days can be reclaimed! And truly, you don’t think that we of Kalidore were ever meant to be cloistered?” “Nay, you are correct,” Odin’s ears pricked forward. “Our seclusion was incidental; that we grew used to is circumstance. What lies ahead of us now is what shapes the future. By that alone, we should welcome it.” He turned as there was movement in the doorway, the others emerging from the kitchen, the last of the bundles now secured on Xanthe’s back and all that was left to do was get going. “And we do that well prepared, I see,” he greeted the dun kore as she bounded forward, prancing in circles around the adults. “Think you can keep that pace all the way into the sky lands?” he chuckled. “I could dance up the mountains and back down again!” Xanthe cried, wheeling to a stop and twirling to make the tiny bells that adorned the straps jingle; Lana had even braided a few into her mane, and she was terribly fond of them. They went through the temple’s main doors together, the bright autumn sunshine beaming welcome. Muse lowered herself on one knee so that the Daiga could climb easily astride, and Tyden mounted Odin with ease. Once settled he turned, “a lift?” he posed to Rhaine. She glanced over her shoulder to where the golem was emerging from the garden towards the edge of the group. *Nay, I’ll walk with Brona* she sent cheerfully, and Tyden nodded. Odin pulled along side Muse and the Daiga, pausing to keep everyone’s attention. “Our brothers will meet us in the clearing. From there we will follow the northerly trail up into the lower skyfield. With luck, we should be in the mountains by dark. Good travels, and may Kal smile on our backs,” he encouraged them all, and off they slipped into the trees on the well-worn forest trail that led to Lilaini’s small cabin in the woods, and beyond that the clearing of the festival’s site the night before.
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Post by angelofmusic on Jan 24, 2009 18:11:38 GMT -5
Trinity and Aurellie had paused for a moment after leaving the glade, though soon had started off in no particular direction. Aurellie though paused for a moment as she felt the feeling and would look towards the other mare and her companion.
We have company Trinity Aurellie sent to the girl.
Trinity paused and turned as she heard the voice in her mind, though also as she heard Cheri
"Thank ye, been singin' since I was little," she said and smiled. "I'm Trinity. T'is nice to meet ye Cheri."
Aurellie would bow her head in greeting to Alcyone.
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Post by shazzadee86 on Jan 24, 2009 18:57:04 GMT -5
Aislinn awoke near the clearing of last night's festivities, Persephone grazing nearby. As she got to her feet, she dusted herself off, her dress slightly damp from the morning dew. Stepping around Pan (who lay sprawled on the grass still) she made her way over to Persephone and rested her hand on her shoulder in silent greeting. 'Good morning my Aislinn,' Persephone sent as she raised her head and rubbed it against her companion. 'Did you sleep well?''I did at that, and I see Pan sleeps still, did she enjoy last night?' She asked, turning her head to take in the sleeping weanling only a few feet away. 'I believe so. She came and joined us again shortly after you fell asleep, still full of exuberance and excitement even though she was three quarters asleep on her feet.' Persephone too turned to watch Pan, affection in her gaze and mind as she talked of her kore. 'Well thats good. I'm glad she enjoyed herself.' Stifling a yawn (without much success) Aislinn retrieved her cloak from where she had slept, and located some left over food she had placed their last night, offering some to Persephone, who with a brief shake of her head returned to her grazing. Shrugging slightly she took a mouthful and started to eat her own makeshift breakfast. 'It's possible this is closer to lunch.'An easy laugh came from Persephone, startling a small bird from it's perch. ***** Halcyone and Kinoren had also spent the night in the clearing, since neither had any reason to leave to search for a secure night's rest. Hal was the first to wake, and decided to take the opportunity to graze in peace while her friend slept on. Despite herself, she had enjoyed last night. Enjoyed the dancing and the songs sung by others present. Not even the slight concern she had felt when the guardians, their companions and the other stallions had left had been able to tarnish the rest of the evening. This surprised her, she usually had no tolerance for these things. With a slight groan, Kin finally woke up, eyes bleary as she looked around the clearing. Rubbing them as best she could, she blinked a few times, trying to clear them. When her vision started to return to normal, she got to her feet and went over to graze with her friend. 'Good morning Hal,' she almost sang the greeting, her energetic behavior returning along with her sight. 'Do we know if there are any left over honey buns, or any of the sweets from last night?' 'I doubt it Kin, even if there were any left, are you sure you should be eating any more of them? You wont fit through some of the narrower paths if you're not careful.' Hal replied, a teasing tone finding it's way into her voice, removing any sting that her words might have caused. 'If that's the case, I will just have to race you over to the far valley, and the winner will get first choice of all the sweet grass and clover. Are you game? Or would you rather surrender now instead?' a smirk on her face, and an excited gleam in her eyes as she prepared herself for her latest game. With an exasperated sigh, Hal started walking in the direction of the valley in question, taking a small lead on her friend. 'Alright, come on then. If you want to make it before lunch time we'd better get a move on.' Kicking up her heals, Kin turned and cantered until she was next to Hal, only slowing until she had coaxed her into a faster speed, and soon the pair were leaving the clearing behind them.
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zephyr
New Member
In Memoriam
Posts: 23
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Post by zephyr on Jan 24, 2009 21:47:54 GMT -5
Brona stared down at the weanling* kore with a look of startlement, caught off guard by the luminous green eyes. Then she reached out with a hand, to touch the blaze of white on the kore's forehead. "Not at all taken aback by someone as strange as me, are you?" she asked the kore, not expecting much of an answer. "Your appearance comes as a surprise to me; you are more ... unusual than I expected," she said to Brona formally but proudly, words coming slowly as she struggled to express exactly what she meant, no more and no less. She nodded to Spirit with as much dignity as possible, trying to not show her severe disapproval at being called 'silly thing', before locking her emerald eyes again on Brona. "I have dreamed about you," she said, in the grave seriousness that only the young can manage, "I had to come find you. I - " she frowned; she had imagined meeting her companion ever since she first understood that humans were companions, had practiced and memorised speeches for just this occasion. Only now that her companion stood before her, her mind was strangely devoid of clever turn-of-phrase (but oooh, she liked the word 'devoid', it made her shiver with its implications of cold, lonely barren-ness!). "I would greet you with a song or poem, but my memory fails me," she said, hanging her head a little, before giving in to her irritation and shooting a look of exasperation at Spirit. "My mother knows I was waiting for my companion here; I told her about my dream," she said politely, "and while I am not a - a paragon of gracefulness, I am definitely not a 'silly thing'," she said, inching closer to Brona and leaning against her, before looking up at her 'human'. "Excuse me, but you don't look like I had dreamed you. So I was caught off guard, and came to look at you before you saw me, but got entangled in the bush there. As for the basil, it was in front of the bush, but some of it I ate, and some of it I accidentally trod on trying to - essric-extric - dislodge myself from the bush. I apologise," she explained to both. Brona looked dumbstruck, then shook her head. "I want to ask you about your dream, and more, but - I'm really your companion?" Even though she couldn't feel it, she couldn't help tracing her finger over the white patch on the kore's forehead. "Yes, of course - can't you tell? It's a knowing, an intuition, I think," the kore replied knowledgeably. "I know you're Brona - I overheard the others talking about you, you don't mind, do you? - but you don't know my name, do you? I am Liria," she added, with a vague note of self-importance. * Now pick some of the basil, we've an adventure to go on,* she added bossily, for Brona's ears alone, nudging her over to the bush which still had a small amount of basil - and some of the trod on basil was salvageable, as well. This Brona gathered up gingerly, still feeling a bit dazed at a companion. Neely, would you believe I'm committing to living in a dream world as a golem and a companion to a weanling kore who has a vocabulary as good as yours? * Neely is your family?* Liria's voice was quiet and unobtrusive, and yet Brona felt she could tell the unikore anything and she wouldn't judge her for it. "She is my only family," Brona said softly, shaking off dirt and dew from a last few pieces of only slightly-mangled basil. * I am your family now, too. Your Kalidore family. From now on.* Brona struggled to not laugh aloud at the firm, unequivocal tone Liria used. Brona stood and moved to exit the garden, cradling a double-handful of basil and with Liria following her closely. "Think this is enough, or will she want more?" she said over her shoulder to Spirit, "We should probably move on, though - Oh, look," she said, stopping in her steps suddenly, trying to hide her disappointment, "Is the Daiga leaving?* I never did properly thank her for helping me..." her words trailed off, and Liria leaned against her legs in unfelt reassurance. * The Daiga understands, because she is the Daiga,* Liria said calmly in an exemplary example of circular logic, * so if you don't get a chance to thank her, she will know you meant to anyway. Or you could ask Rhaine to tell Muse to tell Daiga, maybe.* * Weanling, because she Lady Whimsy said that she should be at least that old to join the adventure, and I could play her as older if I wished. And EEEEE, thank you for my beautiful beautiful kore! I took one look at her and thought, "OMGOSH she's MEANT for Brona!" XD Totally made my day!
Also, hopefully with the group together, Brona won't be so insular and I can interact with more folks....I keep feeling like I'm monologue-ing! >_<
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Post by geob on Jan 24, 2009 22:54:36 GMT -5
"Umista! Umista!"Luminista's head popped up at the sound of her name, glad for the distraction from her restlessness. Foehn Miri noticed Luminista's instant attention and couldn't help a chuckle. With a flick of her ear Luminista looked at her friend. "What?" she asked. "You totally tune me out, but as soon as that little imp calls you, you are all ears. Can't help but find that amusing. Shows me where I rank in importance, too." Another chuckle slips out as Foehn Miri thinks about Luminista's soft spot for little ones, not that she was any more immune. Together they watched the foal bounce around the festival grounds. At Ali's question they exchanged equally perplexed looks with each other and the companion. "Do you think we could tie her down long enough for her to actually graze?" Luminista asked with a laugh. "Wonder how thorough the clean-up crew was?" Foehn Miri put in. "Do you think maybe they could have missed any oat cakes or honey cakes or apples?" About that time a couple of unicorns disappeared over a slight rise. Gazing thoughtfully after them Luminista said, "You know, there is some sweet clover over where Kinoren and Halcyone seem to be going. Maybe we could entice her over that way." "Hmmm. Sweet clover sounds pretty good to me, too," commented Foehn Miri. "Care to go for a gallop with us, Ali?" She waited, giving Ali a chance to mount while Luminista dashed off to challenge Acheflow to a race that would get them to the clover. ((Not trying to take over from you, Silent. Tried to do this in such a way that allows Ali to answer either way. ))
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 25, 2009 2:02:35 GMT -5
All throughout the forest trees were wrapped in crimson and gold, the last of the green fading quickly into warmer hues. Sunlight dappled the forest floor, and the sound of hooves were muted by the thick spread of fallen leaves. The path to Lilaini’s house wound through what had once been an old deer trail, widened by years of travel by unicorns, and finally tidied by the young guardians into a nicely functional trail. The house itself was a small log-and-sod cabin with a thatched roof, nestled so well into the surrounding woodland one might miss it on first glance. It was overrun with climbing vines and encircled by shrubbery, which during the summer were heavy with roses; this time of year the bright red rosehips dotted the dark green, attracting even more bird then usual. Around the back was a cleared area that she used for her garden, though truthfully most of the plants in surrounding area were useful herbs of some kind or another (Lilaini was also a skilled herbalist, having apprenticed vigilantly under the Daiga’s guide). A small stream-fed pond, complete with a family plump dabbling ducks completed the picture. It would have been a perfect example idyllic tranquility except… there were a myriad of rather vocal and adamant woodland creatures clustered hopefully around the cabin, which Lilaini on account of her hangover had not yet fed, and who were growing increasingly impatient with the situation. Upon the arrival of new people they turned optimistically, hoping that someone here might rectify the situation. An insistent protoceres tugged at Tyden’s pant leg, batting doe eyes at him. He gave it a polite shove as he dismounted which did little to discourage to creature who in turn prodded at him firmly with its broad tri-antlers. “Go on now, I haven’t got anything,” he scolded lightly, wondering wryly if he should tell Xanthe to make a run for it should the mood of the crowd suddenly change. Lilaini’s door was slightly ajar and he wove his way through the others – more deer, several pheasants, an assortment of large rodents that included badgers, porcupine, and an anagale, no less then six foxes, a warthog family, a aardvark, and an okapi. Lilaini tended to everything in the forest that was injured or sick, and generally, even once well, they never did leave (then again, Lilaini continuing to serve breakfast was a pretty good incentive). When at last he reached the door he stopped, considering his options carefully, before breaking out into a smile. He threw open the door with a flourish and announced at full volume, “Honey, I’m hom—” Instantly a commotion erupted from inside, started by Lilaini, still in varying stages of undress and screaming something unintelligible, and propelled back in his general direction by Adar, who’d returned to the cabin only moments before to see about his own breakfast, and was sure this noisy intruder was part of the reason why his demand had not yet been met. He flew at Tyden’s face screaming blue murder. Tyden only half managed to throw up his arms before stumbling back, just missing the brush Lilaini hurled at him but catching full the flung corset (which she’d struggled out of just moments before). The door slammed shut, courtesy of Gypsy’s hind foot, leaving him to contend with the horribly offended pocket griffon who continued to dive at him and shrieking all the while. “A dar!” he exclaimed between dives, “not the face! Not the face!”
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Post by Admin on Jan 25, 2009 10:07:41 GMT -5
Initially, Adar’s assault on Tyden had been provoked simply because of his intrusion of the cabin, mixed in with the empty rumblings of the pocket griffon’s belly. After several swooping attacks though, the small creature realized who it was that he was attacking and upon recognizing the young man, redoubled his assaults. His little eyes narrowed and claws extended outwards as she shrieked and flung himself back at the flailing young man. Tyden ducked this onslaught but Adar nibbling tucked up his wings and dropped out of the air, landing directly on Tyden’s back. Digging his claws in to get a hold, the little red nuisance was directly out of reach of Tyden’s reach and clung there, squawking angrily. He began to peck hungrily at his back as the door to the cabin once again flew open. Lilaini walked out the front door of the cabin, finally fully dressed. She was wearing a pair of close fitting black pants with calf high laced boots. Her emerald green shirt was fitted but comfortable, allowing for movement and was hidden underneath a muted green cloak. Her hair was swept up away from her face in a ponytail and her green eyes narrowed as she surveyed the situation on her doorstep. Tyden was currently howling as he ran around in circles attempting to dislodge the red creature that was shrieking and clinging to his back. Her previous annoyance was erased by the hilarity of the performance in front of her. Her laughter rang out and she ducked back into the cabin to grab to quell the hungry of those around her. Returning with several bags of grains and herbs she began to litter them around the grounds in front her of, intentionally producing Adar’s meal last as she was amused by the currently display between him and Tyden. Once she had fed all the other hungry critters, she retreated again to the cabin and returned with a sticky bun in hand. “ Adar!”, she called, “Come look, I have something for you that is much tastier than the man you are currently sampling”. At the sound of her voice, the small creature’s shrieking subsided but he did not yet loosen his grip. Cocking his head in her direction he inspected what it was she was holding in her hand to assess whether it was worth dislodging himself from his currently advantageous position. When he came to understand it was a sticky bun that was being offered to him (a rare delicacy around Lilaini’s house, as she felt they were not healthy for him to eat and therefore hardly ever gave the creature any), he chirped excitedly and scrambled up Tyden’s back and onto his shoulder before launching himself back into the air and swooping over to the Guardian’s side. Landing neatly on her shoulder, he balanced himself on his back legs and grabbed the sticky buns with is claws and began to inhale the delicacy in case Lilaini should change her mind and take it away from him. Gypsy emerged from the cabin carrying the saddlebags that her companion had placed upon her and noted the pleased looking griffon and a scowling Tyden. “Tyden, why must you anger him so? You certainly do know how to provoke him into attack.” Her face was serious but her eyes were laughing mirthfully as she walked closer to the group. Lilaini followed her, equally as amused. “Well, really he gets what he deserves, trying to walk in on young ladies as they are changing. Everyone woman in Kalidore is going to need a pocket griffon in order to protect them from his peeping tactics.” Tyden who had been busy trying to inspect the wounds on his back looked at the pair in mock protest. “I did no such thing! Perhaps when a young woman is changing she shouldn’t leave her door ajar, inviting anyone around to enter.” And leaning closer so only Lilaini could hear he grinned and continued, “Besides, as things were going before the summons it seemed as though, I instead of Gypsy would have been the one passing the night in the cabin and helping you dress in the morning”. Being the smart man that he was he quickly ducked out of arms reach after delivering this comment. In spite of herself, Lilaini’s face coloured as the vision’s of the ball last night raised to the surface of her memory. “Why you…..”, she began as she turned to march after him, Adar dangerously near finishing his breakfast. Gypsy grabbed the young woman by the back of the cloak and held her in place. “Peace. Come let us head to the clearing and gather the others who wish to join.” The Guardian stopped and assented, shooting Tyden a look before turning and mounted. The pocket griffon clung to her cloak and appeared to have decided to join them on the journey, or perhaps it was because his next meal was currently mounting a silver stallion.
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Post by varuna on Jan 25, 2009 13:59:44 GMT -5
Through her small jaunt through these woods, she did spare a look back to see how Liam fared in his own. Dipping around a small tree she entered the glade with some surprise. It was beautiful; though she only spared it a once over before she saw what she’d hoped. A nest. It was somewhat high in the tree though, and her small stature would not aide her in that. However, climbing was an option.
Mismatched eyes trailed up the tree’s rough trunk, thoughtful of it’s boughs and branches, with her hands resting on her hips in balled fists. Liam’s question had come about the moment she’d stepped in the direction toward the tree that harbored her soon-to-be breakfast. A few steps more and she was standing beside the tree’s base, with her hand on the first limb of it.
Craning her neck around to see what he might have meant, she cocked her head to the right; watching him eye the fruit carefully, then watched him crunch down on the berry itself. While all that wasn’t the least bit interesting or amusing but what was, was the sound and face that he’d made afterward.
She felt it in her gut, first. Just a twitch, there. Then at her mouth, a tweak of her lips upward. And then… she simply roared with laughter, seemingly scaring some of birds that watched them still from throughout the trees. Hand to her stomach, Bryn bent over and tried to catch her breath. “I’m sorry, truly.” She began when she could breathe once more, though she was wiping the tears of laughter that had gathered in her eyes. “But… you had to have seen your face.” A small chuckle escaped and threatened for more with only the remembrance, but she sucked it down for fear of making him feel bad. If she hadn’t already. She turned back toward the tree and frowned over it.
Gripping the tree’s branch once more, she hefted herself upward and used the leverage that she had to pull and walk herself up onto the tree’s branch. Only one more and she’d have her prize that lingered within the nest. “There’s a nest just there, perhaps eggs would be better than those berries.” She nodded and pointed as she worked her way to the next branch that would aid her climb, point with a free hand. She shook the branch to test it’s healthy and ability to hold her, then hoisted herself upward once more. That put her level with the nest and she’d only have to foot her way outward a couple feet before she’d have it.
Her eyes gleamed with an unachieved triumph as she balanced and toed her way toward the slowly bowing branch. Finally, she had reached it. But what she didn’t expect, for one reason or another, was that it was occupied. Or at least, she hadn’t expected it to be occupied that moment. Two beady black eyes peeked over the edge of the nest and down to her. The surprising menace in those two eyes shocked Brynja into a halt of her actions and she simply watched the bird.
Licking her pale lips she brushed away the feeling of impending doom and reached out toward the bird. It did not move to attack, instead it squawked at her in a loud trumpet. She could have sworn that there was knowledge in those black eyes that stared back at her. While in later consideration she would deem it completely probable; for the moment she was in shock. Squawk. Squawk-squawk. Then her ears, not her eyes told her that the ruffling of feathers she heard wasn’t because of this bird; but the other’s that had surrounded her.
Oh, yes. She found that she recognized that sound; a war cry. Sparing a glance at the boughs around her, she stepped away from the nest. “I understand.” Her words were for the birds, trying to speak as soft and non-threatening as possible. It seemed to work. Well, until she managed to hit the second branch down and then they decided to fly at her, in unison.
With Liam’s words of wisdom(though she was sorely questioning them) echoing in her mind; she would not make a feast out of someone’s friends. Though, some feast they would have been. She managed the thought as she broke out into a run with feathered wings beating the air and harsh cries bugling through the glade from multiple bloodthirsty mouths!
“Suddenly not so hungry anymore!” She huffed as she past him in a run. Though, she was sure he was either already laughing at the face she was making, or running for his own hide as she.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 26, 2009 12:32:59 GMT -5
As the group began to move forward again, Xanthe gave herself a shake (this was to set the bells in motion, of course) and fell neatly in place at the back of the procession. While the hungry animals had fallen upon Lilaini's hand-outs with gusto, one of the protoceres continued to trail her for good five minutes, prodding the packs hopefully with its curved rear horn whenever it drew near. "Off with you!" Xanthe told it sternly, flicking her tail at it impatiently. She took to walking sideways for a bit, so that she might keep a better eye on the deer. The deer eventually withdrew, but not before it tried to snipe a bit of one of the packets, causing Xanthe to detour around a clump of small trees. Finally rid herself of that nuisance she peered up the trail at the others, a short ways ahead by this point and sighed. At first she was cross that no one had come to help her with deer, but then she realized, as an Daring Adventurer (even in her mind, the title always had capital letters) she had to rely on herself. In fact, other people were relying on her... The notion made her bells jingle, just thinking about it. She picked up her pace, moving at a brisk trot towards the others, when a strange noise caught her attention from within the bush. Slowly, Xanthe came to stop again, peering intently. Odd, she thought, sounds like... a lot of birds...Carefully she made her way down the gentle gully just off the trail, towards the sound. As she mounted the next slope— Two figures were hurdling over the crest at a run, a hoard of rather indignant blackbirds in pursuit. One she recognized instantly - really, it was hard to forget the soldier, what with the events surrounding him engraved permanently into a small corner of her mind; also, from where she standing, he was coming right at her, and he was holding what looked to be an axe (the fact that Bryn was also there, and also holding a weapon, for some reason didn't register with the same ferocity). Xanthe felt her hair prickle and stood for a good 12 seconds it utter disbelief, and possibly would have been flattened by the two if she didn’t suddenly remember she had legs, and turned on them, quickly, barreling back up the gully with all the bells jingling at once. “Rhaaaaaaaaaine! Tyden! He’s after me! Again! I told you soooo!”All heads turned as the Korè came flying up the path, their attention drawn quickly to the pair keeping a good pace behind her and the swarm of birds that, while obviously enjoying the thrill of the chase, were ready to descend with healthy motivation at a given cue. As Xanthe swept by, Rhaine gathered her self and faced the birds with intention. A hundred squabbling minds brushed against her and she let them come, taking each of them under her governance. *Peace* she sent to them. The sway of all those minds were nearly overwhelming but she held them, gently, letting a flood of quietude wash over the flock, blanketing them, lulling them. *Away now, good people – home to your kin; there is nothing for you here* The flock circled, momentarily disorganized and obviously somewhat confused by their new directive. Then, one by one, a few began to turn and coast along the trees to home until the vast majority of the birds had spread and disappeared back into the forest. Rhaine let out a breath, the last of the hurried minds leaving her in a rush; she rested her hand on Brona’s shoulder for a moment while she retook stock of herself. Then she turned to meet the cause of the commotion, her eyes lighting on the pair with gentle humour. "Rather early for this amount of trouble yet, don't you think?" she greeted warmly.
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Post by silentmoon on Jan 26, 2009 22:39:20 GMT -5
Allison gave a low chuckle at the thought, her chest shuddering at the little thought of tying such a frisky kore down. Although no matter how harsh it seemed on one so youthful such as her.
"We could. But I don't think she's in the favor of leafy greens yet." Just to be logical, the girl replied. Staring off after Acheflow, she wondered if all young unicorns were like this. Then the mentioning of apples made her stomach slightly turn, for the worst to add. Just about over a week ago, she and Fiera had muched on apples to their fill when they were new to each other. It wasn't like 2 weeks were a short time or long time, but she felt whole with her fiery chestnut companion near.
Now onto other things than wandering thoughts, Ali surveyed the area to see of any signs of food for the spotted filly. "Maybe the Guardians will have something when they get back?"
But then seeing the offered up ride from Foehn Miri, the late aged teen grinned broadly, almost shivering with anticipation. It wasn't that she hadn't ridden a unicorn before, but something about a new... mount (because she couldn't find a better word) made her giddy. Which brought her mind realing back to before she left earth and her younger years of horseback.
"May I?" She asked, grabbing a handful of mane delicately, jsut incase that she didn't hurt Foehn Miri and because it was only a polite way to say it.
"Sure, we just need to get Ache here." Ali paused a moment before calling out, not quite getting on Foehn's back yet. "Acheflow! Get your little butt over here! Hurry!"
Acheflow, whom still sauntered about in search for food, heard her name. Flicking her ears towards the voice, she realized that the smelly human wanted her. But Umista was there, and she didn't want to give up her friend yet, so she bounded over in a hurry. "Coming! Coming! Waaaaiit!" She wailed out.
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Post by varuna on Jan 28, 2009 16:04:29 GMT -5
Running through brush and frond proved only slightly easier than trudging through snow, but it did not have her bounding quite as swiftly as she would have liked. Though, there was nothing more invigorating than dodging trees and ducking from evil birds with blade-sharp talons and teeth--er, beak, she had to admit this wasn’t any fun. Not when she could have at least taken a couple down to show the rest of the flock she was her own force to be reckoned with by roasting and eating their comrades.
Sharp di-colored eyes spotted the other party moving across her future path, though soon honed in on a fleeing unicorn. Oh, she recognized that one, she did. She’d tried to make friends with her, sticky bun and all. Narrowing her gaze on them, still a bit further away, She wondered if the unicorn had a fear of masses of squawking birds. The thoughtfulness in the midst of the insanity caused her foot to hook beneath a root and throw her into a stumbling gait, which she managed to even out rather bulkily.
Suddenly the birds stopped screaming in what seemed like her ear and rose higher in their circling of them, as Bryn reached the others. It took only a moment for the miniature half-Viking to recompose herself before the others, in a thankful manner.
Briefly she glanced to Liam and then toward Xanthe, before leveling both blue and brown eyes on Rhaine, mirroring the same humor and nodding. “Trouble? Was no trouble. Just keeping Liam, here, on his toes.” She chuckled, glancing again to Liam with the humor lighting her eyes, momentarily wondering if he‘d ever speak to her again after that… adventure. “I’m Brynja, companion to Thora.” She spoke confidently, thrusting out her whole arm for the complete gesture; a friendly forearm grab-greeting to Rhaine. Then allowed her gaze to widen it’s appraisal of everyone else within the party. Making certain to meet all the available eyes with the same warmth and confidence she had for Rhaine. And then returned her gaze to the woman who’d spoke first. “Were those friends of your’s?” She asked to the woman closest to her, but gestured with a sweep of her eyes upward toward the now flying away flock of confused birds, hoping upon hope that she’d deny it and that Bryn could march her butt back into the woods and make herself a blackbird feast like no other ever before.
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Post by geob on Jan 30, 2009 23:06:50 GMT -5
Luminista romped around Acheflow as though she were the foal, tossing her head and kicking up her heels. At Ali's call and Ache's response she loped along side the young kore. As they covered the ground she started laying the groundwork to enticing the kore into eating something good for her. "Hmmm, you know what would be really good about now? Some good, sweet clover. Have you ever had sweet clover? It's about the best stuff you could have." On and on she went extolling the culinary virtues of sweet clover in terms to entice a young kore. Silently she sent to Foehn Miri that she would have the kore ready to run when she (Foehn Miri) was. ~*~ . ~*~ Sitting on an outcropping of rock soaking up the sunshine Tiponi looked out over the small clearing below where a massive, hairy elephant-like creature was browsing on some low-growing brush along a slow moving stream. She wanted to call it a mammoth, but according to the school discs she had studied growing up mammoths were extinct. As strange as many of the sights she had seen had been, she was liking this place she had found herself. Yes, she had seen some people, but not very many. She had no use for people. They always seemed to cause her trouble, one way or another. She couldn't help but shudder at the few fleeting memories she had of others of her kind. Hands grabbing and holding, the metallic taste of fear, twisting and struggle. Not all the memories were bad, the rest was just indifferant--people passing this way and that without a thought, care, or word. Nevermind, she told herself, it doesn't matter. As few as there seem to be here they should be easy enough to avoid. She continued to watch the big bull below, listening to the birds in the trees around her. Soon a few deer-like creatures came timidly out of the woods to graze on the grass in the clearing. Contentment with the world around her seeped into her being.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Jan 31, 2009 0:47:44 GMT -5
Rhaine took Bryn's enthusiast arm shake in stride and was impressed by the small woman's strength. “Well met, Brynja; I am Rhaine, and welcome to Kalidore. I saw you at last evening’s ball, but didn’t get a chance to say hello. I hope the Jumbie Birds didn’t bother you too much; they are a rather voracious bunch, and don’t make friends easily,” she glanced at the receding flock. “Tamed, they make quite charming pets, as Lilaini will attest to, but taking them en mass…. probably not something you want to do…” she glanced at Bryn’s armor and reconsidered, “at least, not before breakfast.” She glanced beyond the Viking to where Liam stood, panting slightly from the brisk run, her eyes lighting playfully on her dance partner of the night before. “It seems your lot is to be kept short of breath by the woman of Kalidore,” she laughed. “Though sadly, I haven’t any wine to refresh your palate with this morning. However, I’m sure there’s something we can find for the both of you – have you eaten?” She didn’t wait for the answer and turned to find the food, which had made itself scarce and was hiding behind Muse and Odin. “Come now Xanthe, let us offer our guests some breakfast.” “Mm-mm,” The bells jingled in concurrence; both unicorns exchanged glances that clearly said ‘she’s you’re daughter’. Rhaine frowned slightly, reaching out with her mind as she made gently towards her. *Sweetling, surely you do not think Liam means any harm to you?* *One never can tell* the kore responded briskly. *You never saw the look in his eyes**I saw his eyes well enough the night before and of what happened, there’s no trace… only broken memories. ’Tis a sad thing, really, when you think about it* She reached the kore’s side, placing her hands beneath the dark muzzle so she could regard her fully. *He does not remember you*Xanthe’s eyes fixed, marking the solider with a sidelong glare. Not… remember! The trace of white hairs on her neck burned; how could he not remember? How could he, who had caused her such distress, have no memory of the event at all? It was not fair! She worked her back molars as Rhaine dug through the packs but did not say a word. Well, of course Rhaine didn’t care; she liked everyone. She probably even liked this rogue, even after what he’d done. And that… hurt. But she pulled the feeling deep down inside herself so that her empathically sensitive sister would not know; despite what everyone else said, she didn’t trust him at all. She barely acknowledged the light kiss the woman planted on her cheek as she went by, back to offer the food to the guests. Xanthe’s eyes narrowed. Even if no one else saw the need, she’d keep her eye on the solider, oh yes she would…
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Post by jadecorrine on Feb 1, 2009 20:29:17 GMT -5
Cheri smiled at Trinity. Well, at least she seemed friendly.
"This is my friend Alcyone. She has the idea that the Guardians are plotting something, so we're hanging around until... well, honestly i'm not sure what we're waiting for." Alcyone snorted and Cheri grinned at her. She felt close enough to her now to dole out some good-natured teasing. "Oh, right. Your curiosity is all important."
Cheri turned back to the pair. "Trinity, you or your beautiful companion here wouldn't happen to know what's going on, would you? Cheri nodded to the golden unicorn reverently. "I mean, i just assumed you were her companion. No offense."
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zephyr
New Member
In Memoriam
Posts: 23
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Post by zephyr on Feb 2, 2009 19:54:21 GMT -5
As they traveled to Lilaini's cabin, Brona tried to hang back, of habit - also because she was still a little self-conscious and when she thought too hard about her new body she was clumsy. But Liria wouldn't hear of it. "What does it matter what they think of you? I'll admit you're not what I expected, and you look different, but think of the advantages you'd have in a game of hide-and-seek?" She impressed Brona with a mental image of herself pretending to be a sandcastle on a beach, and Brona couldn't help giggling a little, but she followed meekly along the trail, which was thankfully clear of obstacles.
Brona's eyes widened when she saw the animals gathering around the cabin; many of them, she had never seen before. "Are all animals on Kalidore tame?" she asked Liria uncertainly. There were a bunch of animals she recognised - like ducks, badgers, porcupines, deer, fox - and other, odd looking animals that she had a sneaking suspicion had never been seen on earth. A strange deer-like creature with three antlers instead of the usual two -
*That's a protoceres. And no, they're not found on earth as far as I know. But then again, neither are unicorns, really.* Liria nodded to the small rodent-like creatures that looked like a rabbit crossed with a ring-tailed lemur. *Those are anagales. And - * She switched to speaking aloud for Xanthe's hearing as well, since she was rather proud of her jokes, "Oh look, looks like Tyden's run afowl of Adar," she giggled, maturity pushed aside to show the childish side of the weanling.
Brona watched, open-mouthed and wide-eyed, as the colorful package of feathers, beak, and talons continued to hound Tyden around. "Liria, is that - a gryphon? Like the legendary beast?"
Liria managed to smother her giggles, and fell back into her 'guide' mode. "That is indeed a gryphon - a pocket gryphon, to be precise. He's Lilaini's, and he's rather grumpy before he's eaten. Tyden is," she added, "very good at, er, ruffling his feathers. I can't imagine why!"
Then Gypsy and Lilaini had joined them and the entourage continued on their way to the clearing.
Brona was content to amble along, enjoying the midday sunlight streaming down through the branches overhead; well, until she heard Xanthe yelling, and saw her barreling towards them, followed close behind by Liam and Bryn. But before she could figure out how, if at all, she should respond, Liria was chuckling next to her. "I wonder how long it will take Xanthe to let go of her dislike of the solider?" she asked Brona rhetorically, then fell silent as Rhaine faced the birds, unwilling to be a distraction.
Brona watched with amazement, again, as somehow Rhaine convinced the birds to give up their pursuit of the duo. "Are things like this a common occurrence?" she asked aloud, unsure who to direct her question to.
Liria snorted. "Life is unpredictable at best; Kalidore, however wonderful, is no exception to that. Good morning, Rhaine!" She exclaimed cheerily, as the Guardian placed a hand on Brona's shoulder, cueing Brona to the touch (since she couldn't feel it). Brona smiled briefly at Rhaine, before the Guardian's attention turned to Xanthe. While Brona eyed the duo - she'd never seen anyone like Brynja - Liria eyed the young kore during her silent exchange with Rhaine, and then nosed Brona. *Xanthe doesn't look too happy about the soldier being here. If I recall correctly, she had a bad run-in with him before he came to Kalidore, so maybe she would appreciate some company.*
Brona's lips twitched in a smile as she turned to look at the kore herself, standing behind Odin and Muse. "As you recall, huh? Like you'd forget anything!"
*I forget plenty. I just try to not let anyone know when I forget things.* Her tail flicked with annoyance - at having to admit to any kind of inferior memory. *I am better at remembering words than histories. I like words. I don't like histories.* Her tone, too, showed her dislike of memorising histories, and Brona shared a sympathetic grin with her as they reached the kore, and Brona turned her smile to Xanthe, though she paused to say good morning politely to Odin and Muse.
"Morning, Xanthe! Liria says I have a lot to learn about Kalidore, and suggested you could help tell me about how things are here," she said easily, with a friendly smile. "Like those strange animals at Lilaini's - those proto-deer creatures, and those animals that almost look like rabbits! Are there other animals like that here that aren't on earth?"
"Protoceres and anagales!" Liria said indignantly, stomping a hoof. "Honestly, and you make fun of MY memory!" Conspiratorially to Xanthe, she mock-whispered, "Between you and me, I think it'll take both of us to get anywhere teaching her!"
"I heard that!" Brona complained, though she flashed a smile. "Still, the - the protoceres - what's the use of having an extra antler pointing the wrong way? What do they USE it for? Is it just for looks? For hanging their hats on? Scape bark off trees in winter - oh, does Kalidore even have a winter season? And - ok," she laughed, raising her hands and cutting herself off, "maybe I should ask one thing at a time? If nothing else, it'll help pass time as we walk."
OOC: Sorry for taking so long to post this time. Hopefully this makes up for it! Now to catch up on the mini RP T_T
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Post by angelofmusic on Feb 10, 2009 1:27:51 GMT -5
(sorry this took so long)
Trinity looked towards the pair and smiled softly. It was nice to make new friends.
"I'm sorry te say tha' I've no idea. Yer guess is as good as me own," she said and nodded, then looked to Aurellie. "Aye, we're companions. 'er name is Aurellie."
Aurellie bowed her head gently in greeting to Alcyone and Cheri.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 10, 2009 13:37:28 GMT -5
Her thoughts brooding and dark, Xanthe barely noticed Brona and Lira until they had gone on at length, and seemed insistent on continuing to doing so. She drew her attention to the golem and young kore with some effort, listening to their babbling with half a heart. “I believe the creatures of earth and Kalidore share some similar origin,” she shrugged at the golem’s first question. “From what I understand, in the dawning the two worlds were much closely linked, and so the creatures of the lands were shared; at some point, we drifted further into the mists. Because of that, animals thrive here that all but vanished from earth, or developed unique features on there own. I believe both the anagale and ceres are of earth origin. But I could be wrong; Falling Star really is the one to ask, he seems to know everything, and is happy to go on about it at length….” She frowned slightly as Brona’s cascade of questions failed to cease, and glanced back to where Rhaine was offering food to Bryn and Liam. She shivered. “It will be winter soon, in some parts of the Isle,” Xanthe turned her feet towards the great clearing. “That’s why we must hurry into the Skyfields. Or at least, that’s what I was told,” she shot a look back, somewhat accusingly. “So I dunno what everyone’s waiting for. Let’s get moving, travelers!” she lifted her voice. “No time for dallying! Difficult quest ahead and all that…” she trailed sulkily down the path, not bothering to see if the others were coming or not.
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Post by Delicious on Feb 20, 2009 3:25:36 GMT -5
"Nay, not yet." Liam replied to the dark-haired Guardian's question. "This young lass dragged me out into yon woods in search of summat t'break fast on - painfully early, mind, considering last night an' the state o' m'head this morn. But all we found were a handful o' berries, and the birds they'd best be left to..." He continued, at first following Rhaine as she moved towards Xanthe, but then trailed off as he came to a stop, not wanting to trouble the golden kore further by getting too close.
Catching the glare Xanthe directed his way as Rhaine rustled through the packs, he gave the kore an uncertain smile and ducked his head, and was about to begin a stilted sort of apology for startling her when she turned and addressed the curiously shaded young woman and brown kore that trailed her side. Unwilling to commit another faux pas by interrupting, Liam scrubbed a hand through his short hair and transferred his attention back to Rhaine instead.
"Rather well packed, I'd say, for just a morning picnic." He remarked, eyeing the bulging packs on Xanthe and Gyspy in turn. "I do hope the urgent news last night wasn't about 'aught amiss." He peered at the woman concernedly as he accepted her breakfast offerings.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the festival clearing, Pasiphae and Kyn still snoozed soundly - completely obvlivious to the murmurs and awakenings going on about them. The yearling, snuggled close to the blood bay mare, twitched slightly as he dreamed of high-adventure and strangely familiar golden dun fillies in distress (whom his dream self had set out to rescue). The mare, on the other hand, was still - but murmured softly, her dreams being of a slightly more intimate cast as the heat of the morning sun warmed her flanks in way not unlike the heated flush from a cream-coloured coat from the night before.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 20, 2009 16:42:51 GMT -5
“Sausage buns,” Rhaine pronounced, handing a wrapped bundle to Bryn and Liam in turn, “or as Lana calls them… ‘pigs in bed’, I think?” She frowned slightly, the name escaping her, and finally shrugged. “Tyden’s quite fond of them, so you might as well have some now before they’re all gone. We have some cider as well, but I think that might have to wait until we catch up with the food again.”
Her eyes had followed Xanthe’s departure up the trail with solemn forbearance, but unable to do anything for the grumpy kore in that moment she didn’t dwell on it for long. Rhaine sighed, returning to Liam’s attention as he spoke again. “Aye, it was unexpected news; but nothing you as our guest need to concern yourself with.” The concern there traversed her features briefly, but again she brushed it aside in favour of more tangible things. “Come now, eat up; we’re headed to clearing to meet up with the others.”
She watched the pair inspect the small breakfast eagerly, and smiled with satisfaction at the results; contentment filled her, and her mind wandered, up the trial after Xanthe and onward to the journey beyond the Skyfields. From where they stood the crowning mountains were all but masked by the golden-bough trees, yet she sensed them - huge and immovable, sleeping giants whose great presence hung over the world, silent and thoughtful. She had always been somewhat tentative of the mountains. They always seemed so huge and endless, so easy to get lost amongst; sometimes she felt so small. At the same time she was a surprised by her own eagerness to begin the journey. Maybe the recent expedition to earth had reminded her of how much she’d loved adventure as a child, whether playing with her cousins back home, or exploring Kalidore on those first forays into the new world. The memories warmed her, and she held them a moment longer before releasing them like butterflies back into the bright and beaming warmth-filled morning.
Her empathy keened, she felt a disturbance nearby, a dulling ache that pressed against her temples. She then noticed the way the solider had favoured his head, the tension still taught across his brows. Then she recalled his first remarks, and chided herself for not responding earlier. “Liam?” she began courteously, peering up at him, “your head. May I?”
To the look of confusion that rushed his features at her request, she responded by reaching forward and laying her fingers gently on his temples, smoothing down the coarse sandy-coloured hair. She smiled at him, and closed her eyes, drawing the ready flow of magic into herself and letting it flush through her being. Warmth tingled on her fingertips, and after a moment passed, she opened her eyes. “There,” she concluded happily, and flexed the fingers, relaxing her hands. “How is that?”
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Post by varuna on Feb 21, 2009 12:37:14 GMT -5
If there were only one way to warm the little Viking’s heart, it would be through food. And when Rhaine spoke those magical words ‘have you eaten’ Rhaine then had Brynja’s undivided attention. Platinum brows lifted and she gave a small cock of her head toward Liam, glancing very briefly there, and then back to grin wide as Liam explained what had happened.
When she received the little sausage in a bun she bowed her head in thanks over it, and then she took a bite quickly. Savoring the fluffy crust of breading and then the plump snap of sausage skin. Bryn’s mouth watered around the bite. But she was not so distracted, mind you, to catch what else Liam had to speak about the heavy packing.
Bryn’s features frowned a moment as she scolded herself inwardly for not noticing beforehand. Chewing her bite thoroughly, she glanced among the unicorns that were packed with things, mismatched gaze following after Xanthe for a lingering moment, with a frown touching her lips still. Then, slid back to Rhaine again.
She hope it was nothing too serious, but she decided that if it were… she would offer to come. As protection if nothing else. “I can walk and eat.” She winked, glancing between the two. “Thank you much for the food, it is delicious. I will go catch up to Thora and see if she is yet awake.” Again her blond braided head bobbed in thanks and continued to eat. Following the path that Xanthe took, though slowly, silently hoping she wouldn’t frighten the unicorn again.
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Post by silentmoon on Feb 21, 2009 17:29:24 GMT -5
"Sweet clover? Is it like uh honeybun?" Ache inhaled loudly while trying to fit in all the information about sweetclovers in her naive mind. "Does it taste like gwass?" The kore couldn't comprehend the thought of eating something that tasted like grass. Then again she'd never tried grass before... but it wasn't something Acheflow wanted to start at anytime soon. She much more prefered the taste of human food against anything else.
"Can we go? Can we?" Acheflow jabbered on excitedly, kicking her heels and weilding forward in a few steps then around in exuberant circles.
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Post by Delicious on Feb 22, 2009 5:55:54 GMT -5
Liam took the offered breakfast from Rhaine gratefully, smiling his thanks at the brunette before setting to with healthy appetite. Taking a large bite of the pastry wrapped sausage, he savoured the salty bloom of flavour on his tongue before chewing slightly and swallowing. The food was quite good, unexpectedly so, for travel fare, Liam mused as he took another bite. Good enough that, combined with the mystery of the traveling party's destination, he was almost able to forget the throbbing pain that nestled behind his eyes.
As he moved to fall into step behind the rest of the group, Liam stopped at Rhaine's address. "Ah, my head....?" he began, at first confused as to her reference, but upon realizing her meaning, opened his mouth to dismiss any worries that she may have had - he was no stranger to a hangover, after all, and knew that the food and fresh air would go far towards fixing the problem. But, before he could manage to explain any of this, the young Guardian moved forward and took his head in her hands with a casual indifference to the close contact that he found arresting.
Liam stood, stock still, as her slim fingers brushed the sides of his face - and found himself at a complete loss as to how to react.* His eyes searched desperately for a safe place to rest. Staring off into space seemed callously rude, while deeply into Rhaine's eyes seemed inexcusably intimate - but as the comely young Guardian's face filled up the majority of his field of vision (and a good bit of the rest of her took up another large portion, and damned if he was going to stare fixedly at THAT in public) - Liam was confounded as to an acceptable alternative. Finally, his brain desperately settled on a compromise, and the soldier stared determinedly at the top of her head from his handful of inches of superior height.
Moments later he felt a strange tingling heat centered at her fingertips. At first he chalked it up to being curiously attentive to the Guardian's touch. She was, after all, a very lovely woman and Liam was neither unappreciative, nor insensitive to her charms - and combined with her almost provactively close proximity** he assumed that the heat was likely due to a untimely flush. Uncomfortable enough with such an embarassing possibility, Liam found himself willing to risk her displeasure by stepping backward and breaking their contact. He was about to do so when the warmth furiously spread and, for the moment, Liam lost all attempts at cohesive thought.
As the golden glow flooded his brain, its warmth fast unwravelling the knotted tendrils of pain that had wound themselves through his head and surrounding muscles. Dazed by the sudden lack of pain that was almost a pleasure, Liam's stunned gaze slid downward until it finally met the Guardian's own as she opened her eyes, smiling.
"I ... I ... errr." Liam faltered in reply to her question, as Rhaine removed her hands. "Ah ... err ... quite. That is to say ... uhm ... good. " He lifted a hand and slowly brought it to touch a spot at his temple, where the tingle from the magic was only just beginning to fade. Staring at her for a further few seconds, he then continued, "That was ... quite ... ... impressive, Lady. I err ... thank you. Yes, thank you." he said, and upon completition of the sentiment, Liam was moritifed to feel the more tell-tale sensation of a heavy blush upon his face.
Quickly turning, the soldier moved at a smart clip towards the rest of the group in the direction Bryn and Xanthe had gone. "The clearing you said?" He spoke over his shoulder, not wanting to face the young brunette in his current state, "Not far then? Just down this path a ways? We'd best get moving then ... I'm sure Pasiphae will blister my ear for leaving without letting her know ..." he said, walking so fast that he barely kept himself from breaking into a run...
*Something that was becoming disturbingly common on Kalidore. **Liam was not used to women, that is to say high ranking women, being allowed - or allowing themselves to come in contact with working men such as himself. Festival dances, and taverns of course being the exception.
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 22, 2009 19:34:26 GMT -5
Rhaine’s expression went from glad, to curious, to marginally confused as Liam thanked her briskly and retreated up the trail with as much efficiently as propriety would allow. The look lingered a moment longer as she turned for Lilaini for plausible explanation, but the other guardian seemed caught up with some private joke. Rhaine frowned; between’s Liam needful haste’s and Tyden’s abrupt exodus the night before, it was enough to make a person wonder if she somehow wasn’t loosing her touch; that, or maybe she smelled funny. No, no, she’d just showered… then had it been something she said? The puzzled look remained there until a gentle mental nudge from her companion alerted the girl that they were moving again, and fell quickly into line with others, leaves crunching beneath their feet as they wound down the trail towards the clearing. *
Morning was bright and full as Falling Star paused to nibble a late sprig of blooming thyme hiding between the coarser greens. Breakfast had been light, and in truth, he wasn’t all that hungry. He’d spent a good deal of the night talking with Arieon, and the younger stallion could be a bit of drain – especially when he was unsure of himself and ungrounded. Falling Star had done his best to reassure him, but when he too did not know all the answers, it had been a frail attempt; at least, it wasn’t what the cremello stallion had wanted to hear. He sighed. As the youngest of the brothers, and while certainly the king of his element, once removed it became apparent how world-weary Arieon actually was, and a little fool-hardy to boot. At the same time, Falling Star in no way doubted his brother’s resolution or drive, and once he put his heart into something. He hadn’t seen him yet today, and wondered if he would return in time to see Odin off. Movement by the edge of the glad answered his question, as the sound of bells announced Xanthe’s arrival, the others emerging from the trees a short distance behind. Still no sign of Arieon, but ah well; Falling Star stretched briefly, running his nose along his foreleg to discourage a fly, and trotted down towards the others. “Good morn to you, brothers and sisters of Kalidore!” he greeted brightly, his voice raising to announce their arrival to any parties still asleep in the grass. “How does Kal greet you this fine day?” “Well enough this morning,” the Daiga smiled, laying a hand on the spotted head as he drew near. “She sees fit to bless us with warm days - good traveling weather for you young folk, to see you off into the mountains.” “And then pray the weather holds; the Skyfields… can be temperamental,” Tyden grinned wryly, and dismounted to adjust the girth belt on Odin’s packs. “I for one am hoping we can find this Ulysses and be home again in a week’s time.” “Perhaps, if you meant to fly,” Odin bumped him with his nose, making the job all the more difficult. “You’d need yourself another kind of steed entirely to make that sort of time.” “We could get lucky,” he maintained. “It’s four days travel to the ruins, and if this business concludes quickly enough, we could be home before the leaves fall.” “That’s providing we find both the ruins and Ulysses in the timely manner you suggest,” Lilaini’s finely shaped brows arched with annoyance at his audacity. “And that we don’t run into any trouble on the way there.” Tyden dismissed her worries with another grin, which flustered her even more; he does it on purpose, she thought with grievance, feeling the energy prickle on her face as she resisted the telekinetic urge to throw something at him. A week or naught, this is going to be one hell of a long journey…“The worst thing we’d meet might be an ornery cave bear, and even they are only in the most secluded parts of the mountains; probably all sleeping this time of year, too.” He gave the strap a final tug, and ran his fingers along the length to make sure it hadn’t buckled. Odin sighed with contentment, and turned to Falling Star. “Are you coming with us?” he inquired lightly, knowing well the stallion’s affinity for journeying – at least, from all the tales he told to the kors. The spotted stallion smiled. “I go where I am most needed. And Kalidore needs—” “Giant mammoths!” Xanthe came bounding back to the elders with the flush of a new idea bursting across her face. “They have those in the Skylands, too right? And we’ll be able to see them, and even speak to them, like in the tale of the Kal and the Red Moon, wherein she brings the different seasons to Kalidore and makes the mammoth queen Keeper of Time, but then the griffon steals the pendulum stone and—” “Peace, daughter,” Muse nibbled her gently into calm. “Mind when others are speaking; and whether or not you see mammoths depends where in the mountains the journey leads. Do not,” the golden unicorn spoke slowly, and with emphasis, “try to lead it there yourself. Are we clear?” “Yes mum,” the kore managed astutely, swallowing the other half of her thought whole. She bobbed her head briskly to the others before slipping away lest anything else come out. It never failed to amaze her how grownups could so casually over look the really exciting things in favour of the straight and narrow; it was moments like these that made her never want to grow up. I will follow closely, she assured them all silently with a sigh. After all, she’d made a promise. And I will listen to what they have to say. Even if I have to miss the mammoths because of it. Oh well. There were bound to be other exciting things on the journey, and now that they were edging closer to the mountain’s shadow, the excitement was starting to build. But since lavishing it upon her mother seemed a futile move, she looked around for company elsewhere. She spotted Kyn, still snoring in the grass. She grinned playfully and bounded up to him in a rush of tinkling bells. “Hey Kyn, guess WHAT?” she crowed.
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Post by geob on Feb 23, 2009 16:17:03 GMT -5
"Hmmm," Luminista pondered Ache's words. "Like honeybuns? Not really. Both are certainly sweet, but clover? It is a flavor like no other." About this time the group of burdened unicorns and guardians began to appear for the forest drawing Luminista's attention. Curiosity took hold. She slowed to a trot and then moved closer. "Journey? Skyfields? Ulysses? What's going on?" she asked of no one in particular and everyone in general. Foehn Miri catching Luminista's sudden distraction focused in on the emerging group. She wondered over ((with Ali in tow?)) in time to catch Luminista's question series and waited to see if an answer was forthcoming.
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Post by Delicious on Feb 23, 2009 19:47:35 GMT -5
Kyn startled awake at Xanthe's cry, "Whoza... whu..? What's going on?!" He goggled about blearily, the remnants of dreams still flickering in the corners of his vision. He peered up at the golden dun filly in confusion. "Xanthe? S'that you ...? What are you wearing?" Kyn asked, finally awakening enough to notice the bulging packs that lay across the unikore's back.
Intent on inspecting the curiosities a bit closer, Kyn clumsily moved to stand. In his awkwardness, however, he managed to shove at knee or two into some rather tender spots of the mare sleeping by his side - who promptly awoke with a grunt. "Ergh. Bit of a rude awaking there, eh?" Pasiphae grumbled at the koros. "Don't suppose you could've just SAID something instead trying to spit me on those sharp little joints of yours."
She blinked at him reproachfully, and Kyn had the good sense to look properly abashed for a moment, mumbling out a hasty apology, before turning back to Xanthe. He snuffled at one of the packs, and nosed a bell in Xanthe's hair, setting it to tinkling merrily. "What's it all for?" He asked, peering at her curiously.
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